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| Aero L-39 Albatros |
Militarymedia.net - Following the great success of the L-29 Delfin, the Aero team at Vodochody in collaboration with the Soviet Union planned the L-39 second generation trainer aircraft, which first flew on November 4, 1968.
Entering service in 1974, the L-39 was especially noted for its powerful and fuel-efficient Soviet turbofan engine. The cockpit is slightly staggered and contains a rocket-assisted ejection seat at zero/150 km/h (93 mph). The fuel is housed in five rubber cells in the fuselage and a small non-disposable tiptank. Dual slot flaps are installed, and the main gear with lever suspension is stressed for impact at high levels of descent.
By 2000, more than 2,800 L-39s of all versions had been built. Variants include the L-39V target tug, L-39ZA Ground-attack/reconnaissance, L-39ZO gun trainer and L-39MS versions. The latter was developed as the L-59, a much more capable engine with more powerful engines, a strengthened fuselage and improved avionics.
In addition to the Czech and Slovak air forces, the L-59 has also been delivered to the Egyptian and Tunisian air forces. The L-59 was in turn further developed into the more capable L-159. This engine, flown as a single seat from the front cockpit in the same manner as the L-39ZA, is a combat trainer platform and a special light attack platform. Its 28.02-kN AlliedSignal ITEC F124-GA-100 turbofan delivers between 30 and 100 percent better performance than the L-39C. Avionics include an EFIS cockpit and HOTAS and HUD controls, while the pilot sits in a zero/zero ejection seat and the aircraft carries additional internal fuel. Comprehensive weapon compatibility is included. The 72 aircraft ordered for the Czech air force will become the main fighter in the country's inventory.
