L-39NG renamed Skyfox
Aero Vodochody Aerospace, the largest Czech aircraft manufacturer, has named its state-of-the-art L-39NG training aircraft as the L-39 Skyfox. The ‘L-39NG New Era Ceremony’ took place at the Future Forces Forum (at the PVA Expo Lethany) on 16 October 2024. The president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, helped the company to christen the aircraft, pouring champagne over a large scale model of the Skyfox.
As long as the L-39NG was a prototype, manufacturer Aero Vodochody was content with the technical-sounding New Generation suffix, but after serial production started, it was felt that it was time to choose a fitting name for the aircraft. Aero admits that finding the right name for a new aircraft is important from a marketing point of view, and also in creating an emotional relationship between the aircraft and its manufacturers and operators.
Aero’s head of marketing, Jan Chvojka explained that: “During the development of the prototype and the subsequent start of production, we all got used to calling our new aircraft the Engéchko [English girl]. In aviation, however, it is common to give airplanes names, for example animals, which try to capture and emphasize their properties or some distinctive characteristics. And our new plane certainly deserves the name as well. The L-39 Skyfox takes the aerodynamic concept from the Albatros and the great flight characteristics associated with it, but otherwise it is a technologically completely new modern aircraft. The naming will also help us to emphasize that this is not just an improved Albatros, but a completely new aircraft.”
Viktor Sotona, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Aero explained why the Skyfox name had been chosen: “The name L-39 Skyfox perfectly reflects the essence of the training aircraft from Aero. The ‘Česká liška’ [Czech Fox] stands out for its efficiency, multi-role capability and ability to adapt to various flight conditions. When training on the L-39 Skyfox, the pilots themselves appreciate its excellent flight characteristics, intuitive controls, excellent view from the cabin and a high level of protection. An important aspect of the Skyfox is the care of the pilots. Just like a fox that is agile, smart and able to avoid danger, our aircraft also features excellent safety features. Thanks to the zero-zero seat and the ability to carry weapons systems, even in challenging situations, pilots can trust that the aircraft will support and protect them.”
Because of its nature and behaviour, the fox name is perfectly suited to the L-29NG, Aero insist. “It may not be the strongest animal in the forest, but it is extremely adaptable, persistent, resourceful, takes care of its young like an airplane takes care of its pilots, and when it comes down to it, it can bite.”
The L-39 Skyfox is an all-new multi-role derivative of the L-39 Albatros, that is capable of undertaking multiple roles, from pilot training to light combat and reconnaissance missions. It incorporates advanced simulation technologies and ground training systems.
Aero Vodochody, (who claim to be historically the largest jet trainer manufacturer in the world) say that the Skyfox represents the most efficient machine in its class, and the only trainer that is available in both Western and Eastern configurations and certified according to EU and NATO regulations.
Aero Vodochody launched the L-39NG programme during July 2014, as an advanced derivative of the L-39 with modern avionics and training systems and powered by a Williams International FJ44-4M engine. This produced almost exactly the same thrust as the Soviet-era Ivchenko AI-25 engine that powered the original L-39, but with considerably lower fuel consumption and vastly improved operating characteristics.
The L-39NG technology demonstrator (L-39CW) made its maiden flight on 14 September 2015, and the first L-39NG prototype was rolled out on 12 October 2018, making its first flight on 22 December 2018. The first series production aircraft followed on 24 April 2023. The Czech defence ministry certificated the L-39NG In September 2020, using supranational military standards.
The L-39NG is available as a Stage 1 upgrade for existing L-39 operators adding the new engine and (optionally) modern avionics to the original airframe, or as new-build Stage 2 aircraft. The Stage 2 aircraft embody several design improvements, including a wet wing, eliminating the original L-39’s distinctive wingtip fuel tanks. The new airframe is considerably lighter and produces less drag.
Serial production of the L-39 Skyfox trainer aircraft began in May 2023, and Aero reached the required production rate of one aircraft per month at the beginning of 2024.
LOM Praha, a Czech state-owned enterprise, became the first customer for the L-39NG Stage 1 ordering four of the type for use at its Flight Training Center at Pardubice Airport in June 2015. In the event, LOM Praha signed an agreement for the delivery of four new-build Stage 2 L-39NGs in 2022. The aircraft will replace a fleet of ageing L-39C used for Czech Air Force training. Two L-39 Skyfox machines are expected to be delivered by the end of this year, and Aero will deliver the remaining two by the middle of next year. LOM Praha has an option to purchase four more aircraft, which would ensure sufficient capacity for training pilots for the Air Force of the Czech Republic, and also for the NATO Flight Training Europe programme, Viktor Sotona says.
Senegal looked set to be the first export customer when it ordered four L-39NGs in April 2018, for light attack and training duties. By March 2022, it was reported that the Senegalese Air Force had cancelled the order.
Vietnam therefore became the first export customer for the L-39 Skyfox, ordering 12 L-39NG trainers to Vietnam in February 2021. These are in the so-called delivered “Eastern setup” meeting Vietnamese requirements to prepare pilots for its largely Russian-made fleet. The VPAF’s first L-39NG (2303) was formally rolled out by Aero Vodochody on August 7 and was delivered about two weeks later. Nine have now been delivered.
Hungary ordered eight L-39NG trainers and four reconnaissance-configured L-39NG aircraft in April 2022, and Algeria, Ghana and Skytech, a company based in Portugal, are believed to be close to signing for the type.
The French Breitling Jet Team has reportedly ordered an upgrade of its existing L-39 fleet to L-39NG standards, and Draken International has signed an agreement for up to six of the L-39s of Draken’s L-39s to receive the L-39NG upgrade.
US contractor RSW Aviation has also placed an order for 12 L-39NGs and for six upgrades of existing L-39s.
