During the test flight of the Aero L-39NG trainer aircraft, the pilots evaluated the trainer aircraft’s functions, behavior, and performance within the scope of the standard factory sortie program.
Aero, the Czech aircraft manufacturer, has reached a significant milestone in the development of its new L-39NG trainer aircraft. The company has successfully flown the first series-produced L-39NG, a new historical achievement in aviation, 20 years after the last mass-produced aircraft was flown. During the test flight, the pilots evaluated the trainer aircraft’s functions, behavior, and performance within the scope of the standard factory sortie program.
The first production flight of the L-39NG lasted approximately 40 minutes, and 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. 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).
“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 first production L-39NG trainer is destined for a customer in Southeast Asia, while Hungary and the Czech Republic are among the other customers who have placed orders for the L-39NG. Aero currently has orders for 34 units of the L-39NG and has recently commissioned a new production line dedicated solely to the aircraft.
Within two years, Aero plans to increase its L-39NG production to 24 units per year, as the company looks to expand its presence in the global jet trainer market. Other Czech companies are also involved in the production of the L-39NG, with over 60% of Aero’s suppliers being domestic companies.
“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,” said Petr Jinda, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, and Jaromir Lang, L-39NG Chief Designer, Aero.
Aero Vodochody Aerospace, the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world, focuses on the development, production, maintenance, and improvement of civil and military aircraft. With over 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, the company has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market, with hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams.
Read More Stories…Curtiss-Wright secures $28 million E-28 Retrieve Drive contract from NAVAIR
In the civil aviation sector, Aero works with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programs, where it is responsible not only for the manufacture and assembly of aircraft assemblies but also for their development. With the successful flight of the first series-produced L-39NG aircraft, Aero is set to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence in the aviation industry.
