Aero started the L-39NG aircraft pre-series production line [video]

Press release

video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9pg6uj3268

Aero started the L-39NG aircraft pre-series production line [video]
A project of the new training aircraft L-39NG, the successor to the legendary Albatros, has reached another important milestone. The pre-series production line construction advanced to the stage that allows the launch of the aircraft's airframe assembly.

Aero Vodochody have launched production of a total of four L-39NGs and first assembly for the fuselage and the wing are being built. The first and the fourth aircraft will be used for flight tests, the second one for static tests and the third for fatigue tests. The aircraft will not be prototype but built according to serial production standard further confirming the good progress of the program. The first flight of the new pre-series L-39NG is planned to happen before the end of this year.

“Aero Vodochody is working intensively on its return among leading training aircraft manufacturers. That is the reason why we are now concentrating our capacities mainly on the L-39NG project and its industrialization. Success of the new training aircraft would bring a great benefit not only to Aero Vodochody but also to the entire Czech aviation industry,” said Giorgio Giordo, president of Aero Vodochody. During the last year, Aero completed selection of the key external suppliers for the aircraft production leading to a good combination of international and national partners. “Within the supply chain, about 40 Czech companies has been involved in the L-39NG development and production. After rump up of serial production, the L-39NG program will ensure thousands job positions in Aero and in our suppliers,” added Giuseppe Giordo.

This breakthrough project of the Czech aviation industry enjoys support of the Czech Export Bank that provided a loan for the development of the L-39NG. "Advanced engineering technologies from Vodochody belong the world’s top and the Czech Export Bank is here to support precisely the export of high added-value technologies. At the same time, we are pleased that this way we will support also the entire domestic aviation industry as well as the diversification of the Czech economy exports, because there is a worldwide interest in aircraft from Aero," said CEO and the Chairman of CEB Karel Bureš. Another partner of the L-39NG project is Omnipol that financially contributes to the aircraft’s development and sales.

A favorable opportunity opens up for the training aircraft segment in the world market. A large part of all training fleet must undergo major modernization in the upcoming years as the existing aircraft are about to retire or they do not meet today's flight training requirements. "A view to the 10 to 15 year horizon shows that there will be a need to replace up to 3,000 training aircraft. Our target is to deliver more than 100 L-39NGs in the next 10 years. It is a great chance for the Czech export that has, thanks to the good reputation of Aero Vodochody aircraft and the L-39NG, an opportunity to play a significant role in the world's aviation market once again," added the president of Aero Vodochody Giuseppe Giordo.



About the L-39NG

The L-39NG is a modern and efficient training type aircraft designed as a unified and complex tool for a truly comprehensive training of modern air forces. The aircraft is based on the aerodynamic concept of the original L-39s, but utilizes contemporary technology and equipment. It is powered by a highly modern FJ44-4M engine delivered with the TAP Blue maintenance system, providing its users with unprecedented readiness and predictability of the maintenance cost. The aircraft avionics are prepared for training of future pilots of the fourth and fifth generation aircraft and they can be adapted to a large extend to a customer requirements. The L-39NG is equipped with five hard points for carrying weaponry. A part of the aircraft is also a wide spectrum of simulation technologies, including integration to a highly modern tactical simulation center to increase training efficiency. A strategic partner of the L-39NG project is Omnipol that by 50% financially contributes to the development of the aircraft. More details about the new aircraft can be found on www.l-39ng.aero.


About AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on development and production of civilian and military aircraft. It is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the area of proprietary aircraft, Aero is a long-term partner of a number of Army Air Forces and it has a strong position in the market of military training and light combat aircraft. With hundreds of still-in-use L-39s, and in particular thanks to its new L-39NG aircraft, Aero profiles itself as a leader in the world's jet trainer market.

In the field of civil aviation, Aero is a partner to the largest aerospace manufacturers in a wide range of projects. In recent years, it has taken responsibility not only for the production but also for the development of structural parts of aircraft thanks to several risk-sharing programs.



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