Page 7 - ADT APRIL 2022 Online Magazine

Aero phases from Basic up to LIFT, but also could be used as the light [ ADVERTORIAL ]
attack aircraft. The acquisition and operational cost are similar to
a turboprop aircraft.
Vodochody “OF COURSE, MANY CUSTOMERS FROM THE

REGION OF SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WEST

Looks for PACIFIC WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PLATFORM
WITH SUCH PARAMETERS. AERO VODOCHODY
HAS SEVERAL CURRENT USERS OF THE L-39 AS
More L-39NG WELL AS POTENTIAL NEW CUSTOMERS IN THIS
REGION. THE SECOND GROUP IS REPRESENTED BY
PHILIPPINES, WHERE AERO OFFERS THE TRAINING
Customers CONFIGURATION WITH POSSIBLE USAGE OF LIGHT
ATTACK CAPABILITIES,” the spokesperson says.

The L-39NG is equipped with high sophisticated Integrated Training
After bagging an order from Vietnam Ministry of System which enables very efficient tactical training of pilots for
Defence for 12 L-39NG Albatros aircraft, Czech 4th and 5th generation Fighters. Since the aircraft could be also
OEM Aero Vodochody Aerospace is looking equipped with 5 hard points with payload of up to 1 650 kg, the
for more customers for the jet trainer and light customer can use this aircraft in real various A/A or A/G missions
attack aircraft in the region. The L-39NG, a as well. The Czech producer also claims that the next genera-
successor of legendary L-39 Albatros, is still tion keeps the key advantages of its predecessor L-39 like good
very popular trainer aircraft in many counties maneuverability and robustness including capability of operating
within Asia, Pacific, Africa, Europe, and US, and from unpaved terrain, grass for example. Referring to the L-39NG
the next generation brings modern, cost effec- sale to Vietnam, the company official says it represents one of the
tive and complex training solution, a company largest Czech defence industry contracts in the military aerospace
spokesperson says. Aero Vodochody rolled sector in recent years. Vietnam has been a long-time operator of
out the L-39NG in October 2018 and con- Czech aircraft, having acquired the Zlín Z-226, Aero Vodochody
cluded flight trials in early 2020. The aircraft is AE 45, and L-39 Albatros aircraft. Aero is also in the final stage
equipped with a Williams International FJ44-4M of negotation with other potential NATO customers and expects
engine, a modern glass cockpit, and a lighter to have another orders in coming weeks. A total of 31 L-39s were
airframe than the earlier model. At the ADAS delivered to Vietnam to date and have primarily been used in the
show, the company will stress that the main role cadet training role. (Aero Vodochody’s stand at the ADAS is in hall
of this aircraft is not only to secure all training B next to the official a stand of the Czech Republic.)

ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY April 2022 | 7