Maiden flight first series produced L-39NG
On 24 April 2023, AERO Vodochody succesfully flown the first series produced L-39NG. The aircraft, temporary serial 0517 (c/n 167005), flew 40 minutes and verified functions and behaviour in all flight phases.
The new-generation L-39NG was launched at Farnborough International Air Show (UK) in July 2014. The aircraft has been developed as a basic and advanced jet training aircraft that can also carry out the Lead In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) task.
This specific aircraft, 167005, is destined for the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Air Force (SVNAF). In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence of Vietnam signed a contract for the delivery of twelve L-39NG jet trainers. The contract includes the training of pilots, instructors, ground crew and mechanics. Also included will be the supply of aircraft spare parts, as well as the supply of equipment for ground-based training, logistics support or specialized airport systems. The L-39NGs will be delivered in the 2023-2024 timeframe.
Scramble Magazine first reported about this contract on 19 February 2021. Recently it became known that Vietnam is in talks with the Czech government on the delivery of aircraft, including additional L-39NGs and the L-410NG produced by Aircraft Industries.
In April 2022, the Hungarian government announced the purchase of twelve L-39NG aircraft for the Magyar Légierö (Hungarian Air Force). The order consists of eight training and four reconnaissance aircraft. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2024.
The Czech government has ordered four L-39NG jet trainers. On 14 November 2022, AERO Vodochody and LOM Praha signed a contract for the delivery of four new L-39NG training aircraft for the Vzdušné síly armády České republiky (CzAF, Czech Air Force). The contract also includes an option for the delivery of four additional aircraft.
Although Ghana is also interested in the new training aircraft and the Ghana Ministry of Defence (MoD) sought parliamentary budget approval for acquiring six L-39NGs in August 2021, negotiations with AERO Vodochody were paused in January 2022. At that time bids from the US for the A-29 Super Tucano and the AT-6C Wolverine were considered. However, these bids were not accepted and approval has still not been obtained for the L-39NG funding a year later (January 2023). Ghana is in a financial crisis at this moment.
Scramble Magazine visited AERO Vodochody in February 2022. In an extensive article (subscribers only) detailed information can be found on AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, the legacy L-39 predecessor and the L-39NG programme. AERO Vodochody published a video of the maiden flight of the L-39NG on their social media.
Photo by AERO Vodochody