60 years since the first prototype of the exploratory version of the Dolphin

Vodochody, 12 August 2024 – The project codenamed “The Eye” showed in 1964 what was behind it. 60 years ago, the first prototype of a reconnaissance version of the Dolphin, designated L-29 R, was built at Aero.

The two-seat reconnaissance variant of the L-29 R was a modification of the L-29 trainer. A special container containing photographic equipment was located under the cockpit on the underside of the fuselage. The suitability of the machine for tactical reconnaissance was ensured by another modification – additional fuel tanks fixed at the end of the wings. It was to increase the range, which was about 900 kilometres for the basic variant, that the reconnaissance version of the L-29 R received additional 200 litre tanks.

In the course of production of the L-29 Dolphin jet aircraft, apart from the basic trainer version and the reconnaissance version designated L-29 R, a special aerobatic variant L-29 A or a single-seat version for advanced training L-29 RS was produced. A total of 3,665 L-29s of all variants were produced between 1963 and 1974.

The Aero L-29 Dolphin, which measured 10.81 metres in length and had a wingspan of 10.29 metres, was the first jet aircraft completely designed and manufactured in Czechoslovakia and is still ranked among the two most widely used trainer jets in the world. In addition to its training duties, it has served, for example, on an American helicopter dropship and has been used to train astronauts.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance and modernization of military and civil aircraft and is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the field of its own aircraft, Aero is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military trainer and light combat aircraft. With 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams, and especially with its new L-39NG aircraft, Aero has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market. In the civil aviation sector, Aero works with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programs, where it is responsible not only for the manufacture and assembly of aircraft assemblies, but also for their development.

Contact:
Radka Černá, PR & Communications Manager
e-mail: radka.cerna@aero
mobile: +420 608 974 258
www.aero.cz

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