The serial production of four L-39NG (Next Generation) subsonic training aircraft for the state-owned enterprise LOM Prague was launched yesterday at Aero Vodochody. The first two aircraft will be produced at the end of 2024, the other two in 2025. They will be used to train Czech military pilots and thus replace the existing L-39C Albatross, which are ending their technical lives. In the production hall of the Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody, this was confirmed by the director of the state-owned enterprise LOM Praha, Jiri Protiva, and the president of Aero Vodochody, Viktor Sotona.
It is crucial for us that by purchasing L-39NG aircraft, we will ensure the continuity of tactical air force pilot training on Albatros L-39C subsonic jet machines. The platform is not changing, we are staying with the L-39, which has proven itself very well in the Czech Army. The first “Lomacke engecko”, the first part of which we could see today, will have the number 7029. Of course, the visualization of the spraying of these Czech training aircraft is already ready, and I am very much looking forward to the ceremonial unveiling at the end of 2024,” said Jiri Protiva..
The existing L-39C aircraft, which have been operated by the LOM Prague Flight Training Center for nineteen years, are ending their technical lives. LOM Praha and Aero Vodochody signed a contract for the delivery of four new L-39NG subsonic aircraft for basic and advanced pilot training by the Army of the Czech Republic in November last year. It includes, among other things, initial training of pilots and ground personnel, special and high-altitude equipment, ground equipment, including an initial set of spare parts, as well as post-warranty support for this new training platform. According to the contract, the first training aircraft will be delivered no later than 28 months after the start of the contract.
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. It is a successor of the Cold War era Aero L-39 Albatros. The L-39NG project has been divided into two distinct stages, or versions. The Stage 1 programme is an upgrade that is available to existing L-39 operators; the original airframes are retrofitted with a new engine and (optionally) modern avionics. The Stage 2 programme involves the production of new-build aircraft; these benefit from several design improvements. During September 2020, the Czech defence ministry certificated the L39NG in accordance with supranational military standards.
