Aero adds another certified variant of the L-39NG
September 26, 2024
On 24 September 2024 – Aero Vodochody Aerospace announced that it had received the type certificate for the L-39NG.T1 variant of its new-build ‘Stage 2’ L-39NG. The ‘Stage 2’ L-39NG is equipped with a Genesys Aerosystems avionics suite and glass cockpit, and was always intended to be offered in separate ‘Western’ and ‘Eastern’ versions. (The so-called ‘Stage 1’ L-39NG, is an ‘upgrade’ configuration for existing legacy L-39s).
The L-39NG platform, combines excellent flight characteristics, modern Western avionics systems, and an efficient Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine, with low operating costs and a competitive price tag. The L-39NG is also suitable for light combat and reconnaissance missions, in addition to pilot training, though some believe that it lacks the performance necessary for advanced pilot training, let alone for operational roles.
The company received a type certificate for the original ‘Stage 2’ L-39NG.A1 variant last year. The L-39NG.A1 was optimised as a training system for non-NATO countries, and has what Aero refer to as an ‘Eastern’ setup, with Russian- language captions and a new LPP mission computer/display processor, which allows Aero to change the data in the L-39NG’s multifunction displays and head-up display to a Russian format through a ‘pacification’ process. Vietnam became the first customer for the L-39NG.A1, following the cancellation of Senegal’s order.
Some 148 test flights have been completed since the start of the L-39NG.T1 certification process in March 2022, totalling 120 flying hours. A total of 246 technical documents and test reports were submitted, which proved the aircraft’s compliance with construction regulations and its safety for future operation.
The Department of Military Aviation Supervision of the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic thus confirmed that the aircraft meets all requirements for airworthiness. The L-39NG.T1 is specifically designed for flight training in the Czech Republic with LOM PRAGUE and for Hungary, which use the same configuration, and the type is ready to train NATO pilots destined for Western fourth and fifth generation aircraft.
Petr Jinda, Executive Vice President of Development, at Aero said that: “The modification of the training version of the L-39NG.T1 includes not only modifications to improve production processes, but mainly improvements to the avionics on the side of the Integrated Training System (ITS) and the integration of night vision goggles. These changes reflect the demands of our customers and ensure that the aircraft is fully prepared to meet modern training needs.”
The certification of the aircraft for operation with NVG (Night Vision Goggles), required internal and external lighting of the aircraft to be modified to meet strict NVG compatability standards. Improvements to the ITS centred around achieving the compatibility of the system with mission planning tools and the simulator.
