Aero L-39NG
| L-39NG | |
|---|---|
| |
| L-39NG concept drawing | |
| Role | Military trainer aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Aero Vodochody |
| First flight | 14 September 2015 |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Aero L-39 Albatros |
The Aero L-39NG (Next Generation) is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft currently under development by Aero Vodochody. It is a successor of the Cold War era Aero L-39 Albatros. The L-39NG project is divided into two phases. First, L-39NG upgrade program contains an installation of FJ44-4M engine and optionally the L-39NG avionics to existing L-39 Albatros.[1] The second phase represents newly built L-39NG aircraft with the possible use of components from the previous upgrade.[2]
Design and development
Aero Vodochody presented the L-39NG project at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014.[3] As of April 21, 2015, Draken International is offering the L-39NG upgrade program in a partnership with Aero Vodochody and Williams International[1] and is responsible for the L-39NG upgrade for the American market. Other aircraft will be modernised by Aero in the Czech Republic.[4]
The prototype first flew from Vodochody airport on 14 September 2015.[5]
Operational history
Testing
Prototype of the re-engined L-39 with FJ44-4M engine will be introduced in the Czech Republic in summer 2015[6] or in the end of 2015.[2] The newly built L-39NG prototype is scheduled to be unveiled in 2016 with deliveries expected to begin in 2018.[3]
Export orders
The first customer for L-39NG upgrade was announced at the Paris Air Show in June 2015. LOM Praha, a state-owned enterprise, will use the L-39NG at its Flight Training Center at Pardubice Airport in the Czech Republic.[2][7] Aero Vodochody has also signed an agreement with Draken International for up to six of the L-39s of Draken's display team to receive the L-39NG upgrade. Breitling Jet Team is another L-39NG upgrade customer.[4]
Potential operators
In June 2015, Aero Vodochody announced "advanced talks" with two potential governmental operators. Another opportunity is the French Air Force program of Dassault Alpha Jet replacement.[6] Reportedly, Vietnam People's Air Force is seeking to replace its obsolete L-39s by new jet trainers with L-39NG being one of the possible candidates. However, Vietnam has also expressed interest in Yakovlev Yak-130.[8][9]
Variants
L-39NG upgrade program (Phase 1)
Re-engined L-39 Albatros to be powered by Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan. Optionally includes an installation of the L-39NG avionics.[2]
L-39NG (Phase 2)
Newly built L-39NG jet trainer aircraft with new avionics and glass cockpit, new airframe with five hardpoints, and FJ44-4M engine.
Specifications (L-39NG)
Data from L-39 Next Generation web page[10][11]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
Performance
- Endurance: 4 hr 30 min (internal fuel)
Armament
- Up to 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) of stores including unguided rockets, bombs, gun pods and recce pods on five external hardpoints or 570 kg (1,250 lb) of external fuel on two "wet" hardpoints
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
Citations
- ^ a b "Draken International to Offer Next Generation Upgrades for Aero L-39 Aircraft". Reuters. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d "L-39NG has announced first customers". L-39 Next Generation. AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ^ a b "L-39NG Multi-Role Jet Trainer, Czech Republic". airforce-technology.com. Kable, a trading division of Kable Intelligence Limited. Retrieved 16 June 2015.[unreliable source?]
- ^ a b de Larrinaga, Nicholas. "Paris Air Show 2015: Aero Vodochody announces three L-39NG launch customers". IHS Jane's 360. IHS Inc. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ^ "Enhanced L-39NG trainer makes maiden sortie". Flight International: 17. 22 September 2015.
- ^ a b Kington, Tom. "L-39NG Upgrade Captures Customers' Attention". Defense News. Gannett Government Media. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ van Hest, Elmer. "AERO VODOCHODY HAPPY WITH FIRST L-39NG CUSTOMER". AIRheads↑FLY. AHF Media Group. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ^ Nguyen, Binh. "Việt Nam sẽ mua máy bay huấn luyện chiến đấu thế hệ mới L-39NG?". SOHA NEWS. Công ty Cổ phần VCCorp. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ Sáu, Thứ. "L-39NG hay Yak-130, máy bay nào Việt Nam sẽ mua?". BÁO ĐẤT VIỆT. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ "L-39NG vs L-39 Comparison". L-39 Next Generation. AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ^ "L-39NG Brochure". L-39 Next Generation. AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
External links
