Aero expands the L-39NG family with another certified variant

Vodochody, 24 September 2024 – AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE has received a type certificate for the trainer version of the L-39NG.T1 aircraft. The Department of Military Aviation Supervision of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic has thus confirmed that the aircraft is recognized as airworthy and is ready for training NATO pilots for the 4th and 5th generation aircraft. The L-39NG.T1 is specifically designed for flight training in the Czech Republic and Hungary, which use the same configuration.

The L-39NG.T1 is a further modification of the basic L-39NG. Last year, Aero received a type certificate for the L-39.A1 variant, which serves as a training system for non-NATO countries. It has now received an airworthiness certificate for the L-39NG version T1, which confirms that the aircraft is ready for training pilots of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft within NATO.

“The modification of the L-39NG.T1 trainer version includes not only modifications to improve production processes but mainly avionics improvements on the Integrated Training System (ITS) side and the integration of night vision goggles. These changes reflect the requirements of our customers and ensure that the aircraft is fully prepared to meet modern training needs,” said Petr Jinda, Executive Vice President of Development, at Aero.

The T1 variant has been adapted to meet the requirements of customers such as LOM PRAHA and Hungary. This version of the aircraft has undergone a number of modifications to take into account the needs of series production and further improve operational parameters. A significant innovation is the certification of the aircraft for operation with Night Vision Goggles (NVG), where the aircraft’s internal and external lighting had to be modified to meet stringent standards. Further improvements were made to the Integrated Training System (ITS), where the compatibility of the system with the mission planning tools and the ground simulation center (simulator) was improved. All of these elements greatly enhance training capabilities and facilitate the practical deployment of the aircraft.

Since the start of the process in March 2022 for certification, 148 test flights have been conducted and 120 flight hours achieved. During this process, 246 technical documents and test reports have been submitted to prove compliance with the aircraft’s building regulations and its safety for future operations. All these steps were necessary to make the L-39NG.T1 ready for certification and to obtain an airworthiness certificate.

Obtaining this certificate is crucial for the possibility of operating aircraft of this configuration for the needs of LOM PRAHA and our country. It is also another significant milestone declaring Aero’s ability to further develop the L-39NG aircraft for the needs of customers in the international market. The type certificate entitles each newly manufactured aircraft of this type to be issued a Certificate of Airworthiness, assigned a registration mark and entered into the Aviation Register. The Type Certificate opens the way for further modifications of this aircraft to be offered to new customers. The certification of the L-39NG.T1 was granted without time limitation, which means that it is valid for the entire production life of this aircraft type. With full compatibility with European Union and NATO systems, the L-39NG can be deployed to train military pilots in various countries, making it a versatile and reliable platform for modern air forces.

Combining modern avionics systems, an efficient jet engine and excellent flight characteristics, the L-39NG platform currently enables both Western and Eastern configurations and meets the requirements for comprehensive and cost-effective training of future pilots of fourth and fifth generation aircraft such as the F-16 and F-35. In addition to pilot training, the L-39NG is also suitable for light combat and reconnaissance missions.

Photo: Katsuhiko Tokunaga

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 trainers 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.

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