Aero Vodochody receives certification for L-39NG aircraft, serial production underway
The Czech manufacturer has full production capacity until 2025.
The Ministry of Defense has issued certification for the Aero Vodochody L-39NG aircraft. This opens doors to global markets for Aero’s latest aircraft. The certification process took over 5 years. Freshly obtained type certification is the main prerequisite for registration of individual aircraft with customers. The manufacturer expects the maiden flight of the first mass-produced L-39NG by the end of this year.
Serial production is underway for the Czech jet trainer, which uses contemporary production technologies and modern equipment. The aircraft’s avionics are ready for training future pilots of fourth and fifth generation aircraft.
The Czech manufacturer’s new machines have already been ordered by countries such as Hungary, Vietnam and Ghana. Customers among non-state companies include Portuguese SkyTech or American RSW Aviation. The Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic will purchase six aircraft for the Pardubice Aviation Training Center.
According to the manufacturer, the aircraft, whose price is estimated at USD 10 million, stands out compared to more powerful M-346 or Yak-130 category trainers due to its low operating costs and excellent range.
The main advantages of the L-39NG include a completely redesigned aircraft design to match modern technology (e.g. use of composite parts, wet wing, center point refueling, etc.) and a highly reliable FJ44-4M engine.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková.