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]
Contents
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
- Length: 12.03 m (39 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 9.56 m (31 ft 4 in)
- Height: ? (?)
- Empty weight: 3,100 kg (6,835 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 5,800 kg (13,230 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan, 16.89 kN (3,790 lbst)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 775 km/h (420 KTAS) at 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
- Range: 2,590 km (1,400 nmi) (internal fuel)
- Endurance: 4 hr 30 min (internal fuel)
- Service ceiling: 11,500 m (38,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 23 m/s (4,500 ft/min)
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
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