In an exclusive partnership with Aero Vodochody and Williams International, Draken International is now offering next generation upgrade...
In an exclusive partnership with Aero Vodochody and Williams International, Draken International is now offering next generation upgrades on L-39 aircraft in the Americas.
Based in Lakeland, Florida, Draken International is a leading provider of tactical flight support as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.
The L-39 upgrade program, or L-39NG upgrade, enables owners of Aero Vodochody L-39 aircraft in the Americas to implement a number of powerful enhancements to deliver significant improvements in performance, technological capability, aircraft availability and safety.
The L-39NG upgrade adds many modern and advanced capabilities that are critical for 21st century aviation. The key new feature is the light and fuel-efficient Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine, which delivers improved performance at speed, range and endurance.
Further, a new electric starter allows the original APU to be removed with all its components, saving considerable weight. In the cockpit, new digital instruments are added as well as OEM overhauled ejection seats with fresh pyro. Additionally, a full IRAN of all major systems brings the aircraft up to current OEM compliance.
The upgrade offers numerous benefits:
- Decreased fuel consumptionby approx. 15%
- Decreased maintenance costs– "Support by the hour" program fully covers scheduled maintenance, unscheduled maintenance, and foreign object damages
- Improved acceleration time– 3-5 seconds from idle to max vs. 9-12 seconds on existing AI-25TL engine
- Quicker maintenance turnaround– Major periodic inspections of FJ44-4M take 4 weeks vs. 4-6 months for overhaul of original AI-25TL engine
- Decreased aircraft weightby approx. 330 lbs. due to lighter engine and removal of heavy APU and balance weight
