The Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) has received its first two Aero Vodochody L-159 trainer/light attack jets from Czech republic. The delivery...
The Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) has received its first two Aero Vodochody L-159 trainer/light attack jets from Czech republic.
The delivery is part of deal cleared by Czech Defense Ministry earlier this year, for the sale of 11 surplus and four active-duty L-159s. The last aircraft will be delivered in 2017.
The L-159 is a light multi-role combat aircraft designed for a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions.
The aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-mode radar for all-weather, day and night operations and can carry a wide range of NATO standards stores including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and laser guided bombs.
The two-seat L-159 is a derivate of the single-seat L-159, primarily designed for Advanced and Operational/Lead-In Fighter Training.
Based on the L-39/59, the L-159 has a larger, redesigned nose to accommodate a radar; a longer fuselage and is powered by a single Honeywell F124-GA-100 engine rated at 28 kN dry thrust.
The aircraft can carry a payload of up to 2700 kg in its 7 weapons stations, one under the fuselage and three under each wing - and can carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder AAM, the AGM-65 Maverick.
