First Test Flight of the L-39NG Trainer

On September 14th, 2015, the factory crew of AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s., composed of Miroslav Schützner and Vladimír Kvarda, successfully completed the first test flight of the L-39NG trainer demonstrator, featuring the new FJ44-4M engine from Williams International and avionics built around Genesys Aerosystems’ multi-functional displays and head-up displays (HUD) by SPEEL Praha. The aircraft will serve to validate the installation of the new engine and avionics in the L-39NG project. Other noticeable improvements include composite wingtips in place of the original tanks.  

Company president Ladislav Šimek summarized the project thusly: “The choices of the FJ44-4M engine from Williams International and avionics from Genesys Aerosystems and SPEEL Praha have proven to be absolutely spot on. After less than three weeks from engine delivery, the aircraft successfully underwent its first flight. I’d like to thank all our partners who made it possible to complete this project in record time. I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work of our employees, who adhered to a very demanding construction schedule while maintaining a full workload of other projects and successfully completed the aircraft by the deadline we promised publicly. By using the best available components, the integration of which culminates in this first flight, we have brought to the market an unprecedentedly effective type of aircraft, accessible to a broad spectrum of users.”
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. has produced over 3,000 L-39 aircraft to date, and the L-39NG is the new generation of this internationally successful trainer. Along with the new FJ44-4M engine and entirely new avionics come a number of other enhancements that together create the most effective type of trainer available on the market. Those interested in learning more about the aircraft will have the opportunity to take a closer look during NATO Days in Ostrava on September 19 and 20, 2015. Next year, the company plans to participate in a number of international aviation trade shows.

L-39NG

The L-39NG aircraft is a modern and effective trainer designed as a unified, comprehensive training system for modern air forces. The L-39NG is based on the aerodynamic concept of the current L-39 but utilizes the latest technologies and equipment. Power is provided by the highly modern FJ44-4M engine supplied with the TAP Blue engine support system to ensure unprecedented airworthiness and predictable maintenance costs. The aircraft's avionics are prepared to train future pilots of 4th and 5th generation aircraft, and can be tailored to the customer's requirements to a great extent. The L-39NG is equipped with five mounting points for weapons. The aircraft also features a broad range of simulation technologies including integration into high-tech tactical simulation centres with the goal of increasing training effectiveness.