The AERO contract for Angola L-39C aircraft also includes training ground and flight personnel, supply of spare parts, ground equipment, flight gear, and more.
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. has secured a contract for the modernization and overhaul of four L-39 aircraft owned by Angola. This is the first time the L-39C aircraft will be upgraded with the new American engine, also used in Aero’s new L-39NG aircraft. The modernization is expected to commence in the second half of 2023, with the first aircraft scheduled to be completed in 2025.
The scope of the contract includes the remotorization, airframe overhaul, and avionics upgrades. The FJ44-4M engines from Williams International will replace the original engines from the Ukrainian company Motor-Sich. This new engine represents a quality and risk-free route for L-39 users, particularly in the face of uncertainty in the supply and support of the original AI-25TL engine. The upgraded aircraft, known as the L-39CW, will be used primarily for pilot training in Angola.
The contract also includes training ground and flight personnel, supply of spare parts, ground equipment, flight gear, and more. The aircraft will be transported in containers and handed back upon completion in the same manner. With the conclusion of this contract, Aero has consolidated its position as a supplier of pilot training solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and supported its other business activities in the region.
“I consider this contract another historic achievement for our company, as we will be integrating for the first time a new engine from Williams into the previous generation L-39 aircraft, which is part of the delivery of the new L-39NG. Thus, we are coming to market with a new product that is close to the developed standards of the new L-39NG aircraft and will allow current L-39 users a smooth introduction of the L-39NG aircraft in the near future. The upgraded aircraft, designated L-39CW, will be used primarily for pilot training in Angola. Our design ensures the highest quality and reliability in all delivery and service, which is why Angola has chosen to work with us on the upgrade. We firmly believe that this type of modernization will be implemented for other customers as well,” said Filip Kulštrunk, Executive Vice President and CCO, Aero.
Aero has produced over 2,900 L-39 Albatros aircraft, with hundreds still flying around the world. The Albatros is historically the most successful jet trainer aircraft, but many countries also use them for other missions, such as reconnaissance missions or border protection. In recent years, Aero has completed maintenance, repair, and upgrade orders for L-39C and L-39ZA aircraft from four foreign customers in Africa and Central Asia. The Bulgarian Air Force’s L-39s are also undergoing overhaul and upgrade.
With 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. AERO focuses on the development, production, maintenance, and improvement of civil and military aircraft.
Read more stories… Embraer partners with Finep for development of new aeronautical technologies
In the field of its aircraft, AERO is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military trainers and light combat aircraft. 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.
