Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody has bagged a purchase order from Senegal for L-39NG trainer/light attack aircraft. The ord...
Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody has bagged a purchase order from Senegal for L-39NG trainer/light attack aircraft.
The order is for 4 L-39NG jets configured for both light attack and trainer roles.
The contract also include pilot training, including conversion, instructor and combat training, maintenance personnel training, spare parts, ground support equipment and logistic support services.
Aero has been focused on its aerostructure since the end of L-39 production in 1996. The order marks the first since 20 years.
The L-39NG is a upgraded and re-engined variant of the L-39 first developed in the 1960s. The program was started in 2014.
In January, Aero has started the L-39NG aircraft pre-series production line. Aero is currently producing a total of four L-39NGs. 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 first flight of the new pre-series L-39NG is planned to happen in the end of 2018. Aircraft deliveries are expected to start in early 2020.
The L-39NG is re-engined with a single FJ44-4M engine supplied with the TAP Blue engine support service 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.
The L-39NG is equipped with five hard-points for weapons.
According to Aero Vodochody president Giuseppe Giordo, the company is in advanced stage of negotiations with two other customers.
