Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero has successfully flown the first series-produced L-39NG aircraft. It is a new historical milestone when, the first serial production L-39NG aircraft flight met all expectations. During the flight, the pilots tested the functions of the trainer aircraft within the scope of the standard factory sortie program. The flight tested the behavior of the L-39NG within its normal operating envelope. The first production flight of the L-39NG lasted approximately 40 minutes. The pilots verified the functions of the engine, aircraft systems, and avionics, as well as the handling and behavior of the aircraft in all phases of flight from take-off through aerobatics to landing. Testing was carried out in the range of altitudes from 0 to 8 500 meters and speeds from stall to maximum (Mach number 0.8 or 900 km/h).
“While this is a significant milestone from Aero’s perspective, the sortie itself is a rather routine affair and is conducted after each aircraft is produced. The factory flyaway program has been previously proven on L-39NG prototypes. The first production aircraft with the serial number 7005 has fulfilled all the points of the program,” add Petr Jinda, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, and Jaromir Lang, L-39NG Chief Designer, Aero.
The flight of the first production aircraft confirmed the readiness of the L-39NG for serial delivery to our customers. The aircraft is a world leader in its class. In terms of design, flight characteristics, safety, avionics, and modern equipment, it is an excellent platform for training pilots of fourth and fifth-generation fighters,” said Viktor Sotona, President and CEO of Aero.
The Aero L-39NG (“Next Generation”) is a turbofan-powered military trainer and light combat aircraft developed and produced by the Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody. The first production L-39NG trainer is destined for a customer in Southeast Asia. Aero Vodochody has outlined when it expects to deliver the first serial production examples of its new-generation L-39NG advanced jet trainer to the Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) Other customers include the Hungarian Air Force (HuAF) and the Czech Republic. Aero currently has orders for 34 units of the L-39NG. Aero recently commissioned a new production line dedicated solely to the L-39NG aircraft. Within two years, the traditional Czech aircraft manufacturer plans to increase its L-39NG production to 24 units per year. Other Czech companies are also involved in the production of the L-39NG.
Over 60% of Aero’s suppliers are domestic companies. AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance and improvement of civil and military aircraft and is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the field of own aircraft, AERO is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military trainer and light combat aircraft. With 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams, and especially with its new L-39NG aircraft, AERO has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market.
