Jump to content

Aero L-39 Albatros

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from L-39 Albatross)
L-39 Albatros
A Czech Air Force L-39
General information
TypeMilitary trainer aircraft
Light ground-attack aircraft
National originCzechoslovakia
ManufacturerAero Vodochody
Designer
StatusIn service
Primary usersSoviet Air Force (historical)
Number built2,900[2]
History
Manufactured1971–1996[2]
2023–present (L-39 Skyfox)[3]
Introduction date28 March 1972 with the Czechoslovak Air Force[4]
First flight4 November 1968
Developed fromAero L-29 Delfín
Developed intoAero L-59 Super Albatros
Aero L-159 Alca
Aero L-39 Skyfox

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer designed and produced by Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic. In addition to performing basic and advanced pilot training, it has also flown combat missions in a light-attack role. Unusually, the aircraft never received a NATO reporting name.

The L-39 Albatros was designed during the 1960s as a successor to the Aero L-29 Delfín, an early jet-powered principal training aircraft. Performing its maiden flight on 4 November 1968, it became the first trainer aircraft in the world to be equipped with a turbofan powerplant. Quantity production of the L-39 Albatros proceeded in 1971; one year later, it was formally recognized by the majority of the Warsaw Pact countries as their preferred primary trainer. Accordingly, thousands of L39s would be produced for various military customers in Eastern Europe. Additionally, it was exported to a range of countries across the world both as a trainer and a light-attack aircraft. Since the 1990s, it has also become popular among civilian operators. By the end of the century, in excess of 2,800 L-39s had served with over 30 air forces.

Several derivatives of the L-39 Albatros were developed. During the 1980s, Aero Vodochody used it as the basis for the L-59 Super Albatros, an enlarged and updated model. Furthermore, the L-39 lineage would be extended to the L-139, a prototype L-39 fitted with a Western-sourced Garrett TFE731 engine. A combat-oriented development of the aircraft, designated as the L-159 ALCA, entered production in 1997, and has since been procured by a range of export customers. Production of the original L-39 came to an end during the mid-1990s, orders having declined substantially following the end of the Cold War. At the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014, Aero Vodochody announced the launch of the L-39NG, an upgraded and modernised version of the L-39; this programme is set to produce new-build aircraft alongside the extensive rebuilding of existing aircraft. In 2023, production of the L-39NG resumed under the name Skyfox, with 34 aircraft on order.[3]

Development

[edit]

In 1964, the Czechoslovak aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody embarked on a new design project to meet the specified requirements for a "C-39" (C for cvičný – trainer), setting up a design team under the leadership of Jan Vlček [cs]. This aircraft was to serve as a replacement for the Aero L-29 Delfín, an early jet-powered trainer, as a principal training aircraft.[5][6] Vlcek envisioned the type, a twin-seat single-engine aircraft, being adopted as the primary trainer throughout the Warsaw Pact nations.[1]

On 4 November 1969, the L-39 (under the designation "Prototype X-02" – the second airframe to be built) conducted its maiden flight, for which it was piloted by Rudolf Duchoň, the factory's test pilot.[7][8] Serial production of the initial model of the L-39, designated L-39C, commenced in 1971. During 1972, the L-39 Albatros was formally recognized by the majority of the countries comprising the Warsaw Pact as their preferred primary trainer, after which point, sizable orders from military customers throughout the bloc proceeded, many of which were from the Soviet Air Forces.[1][2] In 1974, the first L-39 trainer entered service with the Czechoslovak Air Force.[2]

An Estonian L-39 in flight, 2007

Several specialised variants of the base L-39 design were quickly introduced. In 1972, a purpose-built target tug variant, the L-39V, conducted its initial flight.[2] During 1975, the first L-39ZO training/light combat model, which was equipped with four underwing hardpoints as well as a strengthened wing and modified landing gear, performed its first flight.[2] In 1977, the first L-39ZA light combat variant, which was fitted with a single Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 cannon mounted underneath the fuselage in addition to the four hardpoints and strengthening of the L-39ZO, made its maiden flight.[2][9][10]

According to aerospace publication Flight International, roughly 200 L-39s were being sold each year in the jet trainer market during the late 1980s.[11] According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in 1993, the total export orders gained for the L-39 represented 80 per cent of the value of all Czech military product export sales made for that year.[12] During the 1990s, shortly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, Aero Vodochody decided to develop versions of the Albatros equipped with Western-sourced avionics, engines, and weapon systems.[11] Around the same time, Aero Vodochody formed an active partnership with Elbit Systems of Israel, under which a number of L-39s were delivered to Elbit to be equipped with modern electronics and onboard systems before being re-exported to end users such as the Royal Thai Air Force.[13][14][15]

Sales of the L-39 declined during the 1990s. This downturn has been attributed to the loss of the captive Warsaw Pact trainer market, to which a substantial proportion of the total aircraft manufactured had been historically sold; allegations about Czechoslovak banks being unable to finance the defense industry and inaction on the part of the Czechoslovak government; and concerns over the quality of manufacturing standards.[11] In 1996, production of the L-39 came to an end.[2] Since the end of production, Aero Vodochody has developed several improved variants of the L-39 to take its place, and has continued extensive support and overhaul operations for existing L-39 customers.[16]

One of the replacements for the L-39 Albatros was the Aero L-159 Alca, a modernised version of the L-39.[17] Originally, Aero Vodochody had intended to develop the L-159 in partnership with Elbit, but the Czech Ministry of Defense instead selected Rockwell Collins to partner on the program.[18] The limited success of the L-159 led Aero to announce at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow that it was developing an upgraded version of the L-39, designated L-39NG (Skyfox), to compete with the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and British Aerospace Hawk. The L-39 Skyfox replaces the AI-25 turbofan with a Williams FJ44 engine; the airframe is modified, the wingtip fuel tanks being eliminated, and a new suite of avionics will be provided. The first flight of the L-39 Skyfox was in December 2018, and final military type certification was granted by the Czech Military Aviation Authority in 2022.[19][20] The first production L-39NG is expected to fly by the end of 2022.[21]

Design

[edit]
An L-39 at the 2014 Reno Air Race

The L-39 Albatros was designed to be a cost-effective jet-powered trainer aircraft, which is also capable of performing ground attack missions. For operational flexibility, simplicity, and affordability, the majority of onboard systems have been simplified to avoid incurring high levels of maintenance, as well as to minimize damage caused by mishandling when flown by inexperienced air crew.[22] It could be readily flown from austere airstrips such as frozen lakebeds, enabled through the rugged design of the landing gear and favourable low landing speeds. The aircraft's flying qualities are reportedly simple, which is made easier by way of a rapid throttle response, making it easier for students who had never previously flown a jet aircraft before to successfully control.[23] As a training platform, the L-39 itself comprised part of a comprehensive system that also used flight simulators and mobile ground test equipment.[8]

An L-39C Albatros at Wings over Illawarra in 2017

The low-set, straight wing has a double-taper planform, 2½-deg dihedral from the roots, a relatively low aspect ratio, and 100 litres (26 US gal; 22 imp gal) fuel tanks permanently attached to the wingtips. The trailing edge has double-slotted trailing edge flaps inboard of mass-balanced ailerons; the flaps are separated from the ailerons by small wing fences.[24] An automatic trimming system was present, the flaps and the trim system being connected in order to counteract the potentially large pitch changes that would otherwise be generated by vigorous movements of the flaps.[25] The tall, swept vertical tail has an inset rudder. Variable-incidence horizontal stabilizers with inset elevators are mounted at the base of the rudder and over the exhaust nozzle.[24] Side-by-side airbrakes are located under the fuselage ahead of the wing's leading edge. The flaps, landing gear, wheel brakes and air brakes are powered by a hydraulic system. Controls are pushrod-actuated and have electrically powered servo tabs on the ailerons and rudder. Operational g-force limits at 4,200 kilograms (9,300 lb) are +8/-4 g.[24]

The underside of an L39 Albatros in-flight, 2008

A long, pointed nose leads back to the tandem cockpit, in which the student and instructor sit on Czech-built VS-1 ejection seats under individual canopies, which are opened manually and are hinged on the right.[25] The rear seat, typically used by the instructor, is elevated slightly to readily enable observation and guidance of the student's actions in the forward position.[24][26] The design of the cockpit, panel layout and many of its fittings resemble or are identical in function to those of other commonly used Soviet aircraft; for example, the procedure for deploying the ejection seat is exactly the same as for the Mikoyan MiG-29.[27] The cockpit is partially pressurized, requiring the air crew to wear oxygen masks when flying in excess of 23,000 feet.[28] A gyro gunsight for weapon-aiming purposes is typically present in the forward position only.[29]

A single turbofan engine, an Ivchenko AI-25TL (made in the Soviet Union) is positioned in the rear fuselage, fed through shoulder-mounted, semi-circular air intakes (fitted with splitter plates) just behind the cockpit and the tailpipe below the horizontal tailplane. The engine has a time between overhaul (TBO) of 1,000 flight hours; it is allegedly cheaper than the majority of turbine engines to overhaul.[30] Five rubber bag fuel tanks are located in the fuselage behind the cockpit. Several heavy radio units are typically installed in an aft avionics bay; these are often removed on civilian-operated aircraft and replaced with a 70-gallon fuel tank. Additional fuel tanks can be fitted in the rear cockpit position and externally underneath the wings; the tip-tanks can also be expanded for a greater fuel capacity.[28]

The aircraft is fitted with a hydraulically actuated retractable nosewheel undercarriage that is designed to allow operation from grass airfields. The main landing gear legs retract inward into wing bays while the nose gear retracts forward.[24] The basic L-39C trainer has provision for two underwing pylons for drop tanks or practice weapons, but these are not usually fitted.[31] It can be armed with a pair of K-13 missiles to provide a basic air defense capability.[29] Light-attack variants have four underwing hardpoints for ground attack stores, while the ZA variant also has an underfuselage gun pod.[32] Mock UB-16 rocket pods can also be installed for visual appearance only.[26]

Operational history

[edit]
Civil L-39 in fictional Soviet 84th Light Strike Squadron markings
An Aero L-39 Albatros of the Breitling Jet Team

Abkhazia

[edit]

During the War in Abkhazia (1992–1993), Abkhaz separatist forces received several L-39s from Russia and Chechnya, which were used in combat against Georgian forces. On 10 January 1993, an Abkhaz L-39 was shot down by a Russian SA-11 Buk during a friendly-fire incident.[33] The pilot, Oleg Chanba, who was commander of the Abkhaz separatist air force, was killed during the incident.[33] On 1 April 1993, during the attack on civilian targets in Sokhumi, Georgian forces managed to damage an L-39, which fell into the sea.[33]

In the spring of 2008, a number of Georgian drones were shot down by Abkhazian separatist forces over the Abkhazia region. The Abkhazian separatist forces claimed that one of its missile-equipped L-39s had shot down a Georgian Hermes 450 unmanned reconnaissance drone.[34] Footage released later by Georgian authorities clearly shows a drone being brought down by a heat-seeking missile fired from a MiG-29. A UN investigation also concluded that the footage was authentic and that the drone was shot down by a Russian MiG-29 using a Vympel R-73 heat seeking missile.[35]

Afghanistan

[edit]

The Taliban Air Force had managed to obtain around five L-39C aircraft from the remnants of the former Democratic Republic of Afghanistan Air Force; with foreign technical support and pilots, these were placed into combat operations during the later stages of the 1996–2001 phase of the Afghan civil war against the Northern Alliance. In early 2001, only two of these reportedly remained operational.[36][37] Following the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, a number of L-39s were inducted into the Afghan Air Force.[38][39]

Azerbaijan

[edit]

A number of L-39s, along with older L-29s, were used extensively by Azeri forces to perform ground attack missions during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in the 1980s and early 1990s. A number of these were reportedly shot down by air defenses employed by the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army.[40] In September 2015, Aero Vodochody sought a large order for the latest model of the L-39 to Azerbaijan; by this point, Azerbaijan had a total of 24 airworthy L-39s remaining in service.[41]

Chechnya

[edit]

The newly de facto independent Chechen Republic of Ichkeria found itself with dozens of L-39s (as well as several L-29s, three MiG-17s, two MiG-15UTIs, helicopters and other transport and civilian aircraft) left at Khankala and Kalinovskaya airbases by the Soviet Air Force in 1992.[42] Most of these, however, were reportedly abandoned or not in flyable condition, but during the August–November 1994 conflict between nationalist and pro-Russian forces L-39s were deployed and were possibly one of the few air attack (and possibly reconnaissance) elements on Dzhokar Dudayev's forces. At least one was reported as shot down near Goragorsk on October 4 by a Strela-2 MANPADS fired by Doku Zavgayev's pro-Russian militia. The pilot, Col. Ali Musayev and the co-pilot Dedal Dadayev were killed.[43][44]

One of the main reasons that prompted the first Su-25 air raids that destroyed the Chechen air force on the ground, and started the Russian intervention, was preparations being made by Dudayev's air force, which had been spotted by reconnaissance Sukhoi Su-24MRs. There were fears that these aircraft could slow or deter the Russian air and ground campaign, as well as the capability of several aircraft to conduct kamikaze attacks on Russian nuclear power plants (specifically via means of the ejection seat in most aircraft, notably the L-39, by filling them with explosives to act as improvised cruise missiles).[44]

Iraq

[edit]

Iraq became the first export customer for the L-39 Albatros.[8] By mid 1970, the Iraqi Air Force had procured a considerable number of L-39 trainers, having transferred the bulk of their training activities onto the Czechoslovak aircraft.[45] During the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, on 14 April 2003, a pair of United States Navy McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets attacked several L-29 and L-39 aircraft on the ground at an airfield near the city of Tikrit; these had been believed to have been modified to perform as delivery platforms for weapons.[46]

Libya

[edit]

Libya acquired some 180 L-39ZOs around 1978, which served at Sabha and Okba Ben Nafi flying schools along with Yugoslav-made G-2 Galeb for advanced jet training and Italian-made SF.260s (for primary training).[47]

The L-39s were deployed during the Chadian-Libyan conflict, mainly to Ouadi Doum air base. During the final Chadian offensive in March 1987, the Chadians captured Ouadi Doum along with several aircraft (11 L-39s included) and Soviet SAM systems and tanks. A Chadian report to the UN, reported the aforementioned capture on 11 L-39s and the destruction (or downing) of at least four of them.[48]

In the midst of that conflict, on 21 April 1983, three LARAF Ilyushin Il-76TDs and one Lockheed C-130 Hercules landed at Manaus Airport, Brazil after one of the Il-76s developed technical problems while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft were then searched by the Brazilian authorities: instead of medical supplies – as quoted in the transport documentation – the crate of the first of 17 L-39s bound for Nicaragua together with arms and parachutes, to support the country's war against US-backed Contras, were found. The cargo was impounded for some time before being returned to Libya, while the transports were permitted to return to their country.[49][50] During the 1990s and 2000s, Libya made multiple attempts to get components and services for its air force in spite of an embargo placed upon the country by United Nations Security Council Resolution 748; by 2001, only half of Libya's L-39s were serviceable as a consequence.[51]

Russia

[edit]
Pair of Russian L-39s performing an aerobatic demonstration at the 2015 MAKS air show

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Russian Air Force in 1991, the newly formed service found itself with hundreds of L-39 aircraft, the majority of which were surplus to their training requirements. According to author Stephan Wilkinson, by 2005, Russia was seeking to potentially sell up to 800 of their L-39s, which were receiving only a basic level of maintenance once per month while their fate was being decided.[52] Starting in the early 1990s, the Russian Air Force has pursued the development of a domestically built jet trainer, for which the Yakovlev Yak-130 was selected; the Yak-130 shall eventually replace the L-39 in Russian service within its operational roles.[53][54]

Syria

[edit]

The Syrian Arab Air Force has operated a number of armed L-39ZA light attack variants.[55] Since the early stages of the Syrian civil war, the Syrian Air Force's L-39 aircraft have been routinely deployed in counter-insurgency operations against various rebel ground forces, a number of these aircraft have also been shot down by ground fire. They were first used operationally during the Battle of Aleppo, launching several strikes upon rebel-held positions.[56][57][58] It has been claimed the L-39 was the first fixed-wing aircraft to be employed against the rebels.[59]

In February 2013, insurgents successfully captured a number of intact L-39s, along with their support equipment, after raiding and later taking over the Al-Jarrah airbase.[60][61] In late 2013, reports emerged of claims by Islamist fighters that they had successfully flown two of the captured L-39s.[62][63] In October 2014, the Syrian Government claimed that at least two rebel-held L-39s had been airworthy and had recently been destroyed by Syrian Air Force aircraft.[64]

According to Reuters, by 2014, the L-39 had allegedly become one of the favoured platforms of the Syrian Air Force for performing ground attack missions due to its slower speed and higher agility over other aircraft in its inventory. In December 2015, following the securing of the Kweiris airbase by government forces, the resumption of ground-attack missions by L-39s in the vicinity of Aleppo commenced shortly thereafter.[59]

On 26 December 2017, a Syrian L-39 was shot down near Hama airport.[65][66]

On 3 March 2020, a Syrian Arab Army Air Force L-39 was shot down by a Turkish Air Force F-16 over Idlib province. Both Syrian and Turkish forces confirmed the downing.[67]

On the 1st of december 2024, a Syrian L-39 was captured by the Free Syrian Army at Kuwairis air base.[2]

Ukraine

[edit]

On 24 February 2022, a Ukrainian L-39 from the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade (Ukraine) piloted by Dmytro Kolomiyets was shot down by a Russian aircraft in Khmelnytskyi during the opening hours of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On 9 August 2022, Dmytro Kolomiyets was posthumously awarded with the Order of the Gold Star.[68][69]

On 25 August 2023, two Ukrainian L-39s collided during a combat mission over Zhytomyr, killing three pilots. Among those killed was combat pilot Andrii Pilshchykov, an Order of Courage recipient more commonly known by his callsign "Juice", who had become famous in the west for his articulate appeals early in the war for allies to supply F-16s to Ukraine.[70]

Civilian use

[edit]
An L-39 at the 2014 Reno Air Race

While newer versions are now replacing older L-39s in service, thousands remain in active service as trainers, and many are finding new homes with private warbird owners all over the world. It has been claimed that the L-39's desirability stems from the fact that it is "the only available second-generation jet trainer".[26] This trend is particularly evident in the United States, where their $200,000–$300,000 price puts them in range of moderately wealthy pilots looking for a fast, agile personal jet.[71] Their popularity led to a purely L-39 Jet class being introduced at the Reno Air Races in 2002, though it has since been expanded to include other, similar aircraft.[72][73][74]

A civilian owned L-39 in Australia in 2011

In September 2012, there were 255 L-39s registered with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and four registered with Transport Canada.[75][76] Several display teams use the L-39 such as the Patriots Jet Team (6 L-39s), the Breitling Jet Team (7 L-39s) and the Black Diamond Jet Team (5 L-39s).[77][78] There are also several L-39s that have been made available for private jet rides by various operators in Australia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Spain and the US.[79][80][81] These L-39s are mostly in private hands, but some also belong to government agencies, such as those in Vyazma, Russia.[82][83] In March 2018 there were five L-39s on the civilian register in New Zealand. One registered as an L-39 [84] and four others registered as L-39C.[85]

Since 2004, the Defence & MRO Division of Aero Vodochody has performed a general maintenance, repair and modernisation program of civil-operated L-39s, as well as performing the demilitarisation of ex-military aircraft.[83] Services offered to civil operators include life-extension programs, support for civil registration/certification, training of ground/flight crew, logistics and analysis, customization, routine inspection, condition-based maintenance support, and providing general expertise/consultancy work.[83]

Variants

[edit]
Aero L-39C Albatros, Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force
Aero L-39C Albatros ( "103 BLUE"[86]), Ukrainian Air Force
Aero L-39M1 Albatros, Ukrainian Air Force
L-39X-01 – X-07
Five prototypes plus two static test airframes.[7]
L-39C (C for Cvičná – training)
Standard basic trainer for Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and export. Originally designated L-39, but renamed L-39C when later variants appeared. Two pylons under wing. Approximately 2,260 built.[31]
L-39CM (CM for Cvičná modernizovaná – modernised training)
Slovak upgraded C version.
L-39M1[87]
Ukrainian upgraded C version with AI-25TLSh engines. The conversion is carried out by Odesaviaremservis and the first plane was ready in 2009. The upgrade of a further 7 L-39C's was planned.[88] Only six L-39C were converted into L-39M1 by 2014[89]
L-39V (V for Vlečná – tug)
Single-seat target tug version for Czechoslovakia. Equipped to tow KT-04 target on 1,700 m (5,600 ft) cable. Prototype plus eight production aircraft built.[90]
L-39ZO (Z for Zbraně – weapons)
Interim weapon trainer variant for export. Four pylons stressed for 500 kg (1,100 lb) (inboard) and 250 kg (550 lb) (outboard), with total external load of 1,150 kg (2,500 lb).[24] First flew 25 June 1975, with initial deliveries to Iraq in 1977. 337 built.[91]
L-39ZA
Significantly upgraded L-39ZO for armed training and light attack, employing sturdier landing gear, a higher payload (total 1,290 kg (2,844 lb))[24] and notably provision for a GSh-23L 23-millimeter twin-barreled cannon attached in a conformal pod under the pilots' compartment, having a 150-round magazine within the airframe. Outer pylons wired to carry K-13 or R-60 air-to-air missiles. Two prototypes, with first flying on 29 September 1976. 208 aircraft delivered.[92]
L-39ZAM
Slovak upgraded ZA version.
L-39ZA/ART
Thai version of L-39ZA with Elbit avionics. 40 built.[93]
L-39MS/L-59
The Aero L-39MS is a second generation military trainer aircraft developed from the firm's earlier L-39. Compared to its predecessor, it featured a strengthened fuselage, longer nose, a vastly updated cockpit, and a more powerful (21.6 kN (4,850 lbf)) Lotarev DV-2 engine, allowing operation at higher weights and speeds (max speed 872 km/h (542 mph)).[94][95] First flight on 30 September 1986. It was later designated as the Aero L-59.[96]
L-139 Albatros 2000
Revised version with western avionics and 17.99 kN (4,045 lbf) Garrett TFE731-4-1T engine. Single prototype built.[97]
L-159
Further modernised advanced trainer/combat aircraft with more modern, western avionics and Honeywell/ITEC F124 engine.[98]
L-39 Skyfox
Modernised and upgraded version with Williams FJ44 engine, improved fuel system and avionics, planned to be introduced in 2018 under developmental name L-39NG.[99]
Skyleader UL-39 Albi
A carbon-fibre ducted-fan powered scale variant first flown in the Czech Republic on 4 April 2016.[100]

Operators

[edit]
Main article: List of Aero L-39 Albatros operators
A Bulgarian Air Force L-39 Albatros
A Slovak L-39ZA (1701) in Biele Albatrosy colors at Radom Air Show 2005
L-39C in civil use
L-39ZO On display at Technik Museum Speyer hotel
L-39 of the Royal Thai Air Force in 2013

Notable accidents and incidents

[edit]

Aircraft on display

[edit]
Aero L-39 mounted at the Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim
Czech Republic
Germany
Lithuania
United States

Specifications (L-39C)

[edit]
Orthographically projected diagram of the Aero L-39 Albatros

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89,[24] Aero Vodochody[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 12.13 m (39 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.46 m (31 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 4.77 m (15 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 18.8 m2 (202 sq ft)
  • Airfoil: NACA 64A012 modified[122]
  • Empty weight: 3,455 kg (7,617 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 4,700 kg (10,362 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan engine, 16.87 kN (3,790 lbf) thrust

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 750 km/h (470 mph, 400 kn) at 5,000 m (16,000 ft)
  • Never exceed speed: 980 km/h (610 mph, 530 kn) / M0.8
  • Range: 1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi)(internal fuel)
  • Ferry range: 1,750 km (1,090 mi, 940 nmi) (internal and external fuel)
  • Endurance: two hours and 30 minutes (internal fuel), three hours and 50 minutes (internal and external fuel)
  • Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 21 m/s (4,100 ft/min)
  • Time to altitude: 5,000 m (16,000 ft) in 5 minutes
  • Wing loading: 250 kg/m2 (51 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.37
  • Take-off roll: 530 m (1,740 ft)
  • Landing roll: 650 m (2,130 ft)

Armament

  • Up to 284 kg (626 lb) of stores on two external hardpoints

See also

[edit]
External videos
video icon In-cockpit footage of an L-39 taking off and performing aerobatics
video icon L-39 performing a solo display at the Wanaka 2012 airshow
video icon Excerpt from 1980s aerodynamics documentary

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Wilkinson 2002, p. 30.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "L-39 Program." Archived 18 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Aero Vodochody, Retrieved: 17 April 2016.
  3. ^ a b "The first flight of the serial L-39 Skyfox from Aero was excellent | Aero Vodochody Aerospace a.s." www.aero.cz.
  4. ^ John Pike. "Aero L-39 Albatros". Globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  5. ^ Jackson 2011, p. 174.
  6. ^ Lake 2000, pp. 117–118.
  7. ^ a b Lake 2000, p. 122.
  8. ^ a b c "Aero L-39 Albatros." Archived 6 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 18 November 1978. p. 1872.
  9. ^ "Military Aircraft Directory: Aero Vodochody." Archived 4 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 29 July 1998.
  10. ^ "Military Aircraft Directory: Aero Vodochody". Flight Global. 29 July 1998. Archived from the original on 28 March 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  11. ^ a b c Jeriorski, Andrzej. "Business Analysis: Dilemmas in Prague." Archived 7 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 5 April 1994.
  12. ^ Kiss 1997, p. 46.
  13. ^ a b Kiss 1997, p. 48.
  14. ^ Karp 1993, p. 117.
  15. ^ "IAI targets L-39 users for electronics upgrade." Archived 28 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 18 June 2003.
  16. ^ Sedlak, Lubomir. "Aero Vodochody up for sale." Archived 28 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 17 May 2005.
  17. ^ Gerzanics, Michael. "Czech striker." Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 13 October 1999.
  18. ^ Kiss 1997, pp. 48–49.
  19. ^ Boatman, Julie (2022-08-11). "Aero L-39NG Certification Opens Up New Sales for Popular Jet Trainer". Flying Magazine. Retrieved 2022-12-12.
  20. ^ "L-39NG attains type certification as Aero announces new MoU with Patriot Global Training". www.key.aero. Retrieved 2022-12-12.
  21. ^ Dubois, Gastón (2022-08-01). "First serial production L-39NG prepares for maiden flight". Aviacionline.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-12-12.
  22. ^ Wilkinson 2005, pp. 164–166.
  23. ^ Wilkinson 2005, pp. 165–166, 169.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h Taylor 1988, pp. 47–48.
  25. ^ a b Wilkinson 2005, p. 165.
  26. ^ a b c Wilkinson 2005, p. 164.
  27. ^ Wilkinson 2005, p. 166.
  28. ^ a b Wilkinson 2005, p. 168.
  29. ^ a b "Warlike Jets." Archived 4 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 2 July 1983. p. 28.
  30. ^ Wilkinson 2005, p. 169.
  31. ^ a b Lake 2000, pp. 123–124.
  32. ^ Lake 2000, pp. 125–126.
  33. ^ a b c "Aviation in Abkhaz Conflict". Mikhail Zhirohov. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  34. ^ "The Georgian Times on the Web". Geotimes.ge. Archived from the original on 18 January 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  35. ^ Chivers, C.J. (26 May 2008). "Georgia". International Herald Tribune. Archived from the original on 13 October 2008. Retrieved 5 June 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  36. ^ Cooper, Tom; Troung; Koelich, Marc (10 February 2008). "Afghanistan, 1979–2001; Part 2". ACIG. Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  37. ^ "Taliban's modest armoury." Archived 28 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 16 October 2001.
  38. ^ Starkey, Jerome (27 April 2008). "Karzai escapes again as Taliban attack parade". The Independent. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  39. ^ "Afghan AAF Training Getting Its Own Air Traffic Control." Archived 25 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Defense Industry Daily, 29 January 2012.
  40. ^ "Air War over Nagorniy-Kharabakh, 1988–1994". Acig.org. Archived from the original on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  41. ^ Velinger, Jan. "Třinecké železárny win lucrative contract worth 15 billion crowns." Archived 9 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine Třinecké železárny win lucrative contract worth 15 billion crowns, 24 September 2015.
  42. ^ Seely 2001, p. 121.
  43. ^ "Chechenya – Air force in local wars". Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  44. ^ a b Thomas, Timothy L., Air Operations in Low Intensity Conflict – The Case of Chechnya Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 1 January 2015
  45. ^ Corrigan 2016, p. 64.
  46. ^ Holmes 2012, p. 66.
  47. ^ "Libya". Lcweb2.loc.gov. Archived from the original on 12 December 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  48. ^ "Libyan Wars, 1980–1989, Part 6". Acig.org. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  49. ^ Cooper, Tom (1 September 2003). "Central and Latin America Database: Nicaragua 1980–1988". Air Combat Information Group. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  50. ^ "Brazil Holding Arms for Nicaragua". Google News Archive. The Hour. 22 April 1983. p. 12. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  51. ^ "Italy thwarts Libyan move." Archived 28 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 4 September 2001.
  52. ^ Wilkinson 2005, p. 162.
  53. ^ Butowski, Piotr (1 May 2002). "Russian military trainer strategy falls into place; the selection of the Yak-130 marks an important step towards replacing the country's aging fleet of L-39Cs. Things are moving in the simulator business, too". Interavia Business & Technology. Aerospace Media Publishing. ISSN 1423-3215. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  54. ^ Collins, Peter (10 July 2012). "Flight Test: Yak-130 proves versatility". Flight International. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  55. ^ "Syrian government using L-39 trainer jets to attack rebels — Air Cache". Air.blastmagazine.com. 9 August 2012. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  56. ^ "24 7 Aleppo أوغاريت حلب , هااااااااااااااااااام جدا , لحظة سقوط الصاروخ من طائرة الميغ". YouTube. Archived from the original on 25 July 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  57. ^ Boxx, Eddie; White, Jeffrey (20 November 2012). "Policy Analysis: Responding to Assad's Use of Airpower in Syria". The Washington Institute. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  58. ^ "Amateur footage emerges of Syrian jets deployed against rebels". The Telegraph. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  59. ^ a b "As flights resume out of Kweiris, rebel commander expects raids to increase". Syria Direct. 16 December 2015. Archived from the original on 12 April 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  60. ^ BAYNETNA News (12 February 2013). "Syria – FSA Capture Al-Jarrah Military Air Port (Feb 2013)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 1 January 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
  61. ^ Roggio, Bill. "'Islamist factions' seize Syrian airbase", FDD's Long War Journal, 12 February 2013. Archived 29 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine.
  62. ^ Zion, Ilan Ben. "Islamist rebel air force takes off in Syria", Times of Israel, 3 November 2013. Archived 28 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine.
  63. ^ Majumdar, Dave. "U.S. Fighter Jocks Pray The 'ISIS Air Force' Rumors Are True", The Daily Beast, 21 October 2014. Archived 14 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine.
  64. ^ Yashar, Ari (22 October 2014). "Syria Bombs Islamic State 'Air Force". Israel National News. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  65. ^ "Syrian media confirm opposition shot down regime military aircraft near the eastern Hama countryside." Al Arabiya English, 26 December 2017.
  66. ^ "L-39 aircraft was reportedly shot down after taking off the Hama airport." Archived 28 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine syria.liveuamap.com, 26 December 2017.
  67. ^ "Turkey downs Syrian regime warplane – latest updates". Turkey downs Syrian regime warplane – latest updates. Archived from the original on 2020-03-03. Retrieved 2020-03-03.
  68. ^ "Льотчик-винищувач Дмитро Коломієць загинув у повітряному бою, прикриваючи побратимів". Army Inform (in Ukrainian). 29 March 2022.
  69. ^ "Президент України посмертно нагородив льотчика з Озерного Дмитра Коломійця орденом "Золота Зірка"" (in Ukrainian). 9 August 2022.
  70. ^ "Three pilots of the Air Force of Ukraine killed in the Zhytomyr region" (in Ukrainian). 26 August 2023.
  71. ^ Wilkinson 2002, pp. 32–33.
  72. ^ "Jet Class." Archived 2016-04-18 at the Wayback Machine National Championship Air Races, Retrieved: 17 April 2016.
  73. ^ "Jets." Archived 15 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Racing Jets Incorporated, Retrieved: 17 April 2016.
  74. ^ Hoffman, Carl. "Reno Enters the Jet Age." Archived 25 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Air & Space Magazine, September 2002.
  75. ^ "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Federal Aviation Administration. 30 September 2012. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  76. ^ "Canadian Civil Aircraft Register". Transport Canada. 30 September 2012. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  77. ^ "Black Diamond Jet Team Performance". blackdiamondjetteam.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  78. ^ Siminski, Jacek. "Stunning Air-to-Air photographs of the Latvian Baltic Bees Aerobatic Display Team." Archived 14 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine The Aviationist, 11 December 2015.
  79. ^ "Aero L-39 Albatros – Ground Attack Aircraft, Surveillance-Jet and East-Block Jet Trainer: MiGFlug.com". MiGFlug – Jet Fighter Flights in Supersonic Military Fighter Aircraft. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
  80. ^ "L-39 Flights Above the Californian Desert." Archived 11 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine flyfighterjet.com, Retrieved: 17 April 2016.
  81. ^ "Fighter Jet Flights in the US, Russia & Europe." Archived 6 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine flyajet.com, Retrieved: 17 April 2016.
  82. ^ "L-39 squadron Russ based in Vyazma – Official Website of Rus' L-39 Squadron / Flight School based at Vyazemskiy Aviacenter, Vyazma / Vjazma, Smolensk, Russia – Welcome – History of the Squadron". Vyazmarus.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  83. ^ a b c "L-39 Civil Program." Archived 21 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine Aero Vodochody, Retrieved: 17 April 2016.
  84. ^ "Air Mod List – Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand". www.caa.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  85. ^ "Air Mod List – Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand". www.caa.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 25 January 2019. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  86. ^ "Aero L-39C Albatros, 103 BLUE". spotters.net.ua.
  87. ^ "Issue 09/10". Defpol.org.ua. 13 September 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  88. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  89. ^ Виктор Морозов. Авиация в боевых действиях на Юго-востоке Украины, весна – лето 2014 // "Авиация и космонавтика", № 10, 2014. стр. 34–42.
  90. ^ Lake 2000, p. 124.
  91. ^ Lake 2000, p. 125.
  92. ^ Lake 2000, pp. 126–127.
  93. ^ Lake 2000, p.127.
  94. ^ Lake 2000, p.118.
  95. ^ "Czechoslovakia: Aero L-39 Albatros." Archived 6 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 21 August 1990. p. 36.
  96. ^ Lake 2000, p. 128.
  97. ^ Lake 2000, p. 129.
  98. ^ Lake 2000, pp. 130–131.
  99. ^ Vrublová, Tereza. "Aero Vodochody introduces the L-39NG: the next generation of the legendary jet trainer". L-39NG Next Generation. Aero Vodochody. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 4 September 2014.
  100. ^ Hitchman, Nigel (June 2016). "Aero Friedrichshafen". Air-Britain Aviation World. Vol. 68, no. 2. Air-Britain. ISSN 1742-996X.
  101. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac Jennings, Gareth (12 October 2018). "Aero rolls out first L-39NG". IHS Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 12 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  102. ^ "Flying Flying – Scramble". scramble.nl. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  103. ^ "Russia increasing material potential of Central African national army by supplying fighter jets – Manuel Nguema". Daily post. 23 May 2023. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  104. ^ "Le Mali a reçu au moins quatre avions d'attaque légers L-39C Albatross, probablement livrés par la Russie". opex360.com. 9 August 2022.
  105. ^ "Fuga din tara a elevului pilot Mihai Smighelschi cu avionul L-39 Albatros". Pilotmagazin.ro. 22 April 2011. Archived from the original on 25 October 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  106. ^ "Atlas Air CEO Chowdry killed in crash.(Michael A. Chowdry killed in jet trainer crash)(Brief Article)". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 1 August 2008.
  107. ^ National Transportation Safety Board (2002). "NTSB Identification: DEN01FA044". Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  108. ^ "Motorway reopened after jet crash". BBC News. 3 June 2002. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  109. ^ "Red Bull Pilot Killed In L-39 Crash". avweb.com. 7 December 2015. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
  110. ^ "Three pilots who died in mid-air collision identified by name". Kyiv Independent. 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  111. ^ "A military jet crashes in Bulgaria during a drill. Both pilots are killed". AP News. 13 September 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  112. ^ "Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, s/n 0107 CEF, c/n 230107". Aerial Visuals. AerialVisuals.ca. Archived from the original on 20 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  113. ^ "Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, s/n 0108 CEF, c/n 230108". Aerial Visuals. AerialVisuals.ca. Archived from the original on 20 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  114. ^ "Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim". hobby-luftfahrt.de. Archived from the original on 23 January 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  115. ^ www.itmarks.lt. "News » Lietuvos aviacijos muziejus". www.lam.lt. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  116. ^ "Aviation Photo #2294683: Aero L-39C Albatros – Lithuania – Air Force". Airliners.net. Archived from the original on 4 December 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  117. ^ "Airframe Dossier – AeroL-39, c/n 430405, c/r N82497". Aerial Visuals. AerialVisuals.ca. Archived from the original on 2 June 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  118. ^ "L-39C "Albatross"". Hiller Aviation Museum. Hiller Aviation Museum. Archived from the original on 19 March 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  119. ^ "Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, s/n 68 red PSU, c/n 533526, c/r N139AF". Aerial Visuals. AerialVisuals.ca. Archived from the original on 20 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  120. ^ Henniger, Mike. "Aerial Visuals – Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, c/n 131907, c/r N439RS". aerialvisuals.ca. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  121. ^ "Aircraft Collection – Olympic Flight Museum".
  122. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Corrigan, Peter (2016). Marine J SBS: The East African Mission. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 1-4728-1671-4.
  • Holmes, Tony (2012). US Marine Corps and RAAF Hornet Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 1-7820-0733-4.
  • Jackson, Robert (2011). Aircraft from 1914 to the present day. p. 174. ISBN 978-1-907446-02-3.
  • Karp, Regina Cowen (1993). Central and Eastern Europe: The Challenge of Transition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-1982-9169-8.
  • Kiss, Judit (1997). The Defence Industry in East-Central Europe: Restructuring and Conversion. SIPRI. ISBN 0-1982-9280-5.
  • Lake, Jon (2000). "Aero L-39 Albatros Family: Variant Briefing". World Air Power Journal. 43. London: Aerospace Publishing: 116–131. ISBN 1-86184-055-1.
  • Seely, Robert (2001). Russo-Chechen Conflict, 1800–2000: A Deadly Embrace. Psychology Press. ISBN 0-7146-4992-9.
  • Taylor, John W.R. (1988). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Defence Data. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
  • Mladějovský, Josef (1988). Nebe pro Albatros: kapitoly o inženýru Janu Vlčkovi, českém leteckém konstruktéru [Sky for the Albatros: The Chapters About ing. Jan Vlček, Czech Aircraft Constructor] (in Czech). Praha: Naše vojsko.
  • Wilkinson, Stephan (2005). Man and Machine. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 1-5992-1679-5.
  • Wilkinson, Stephan (June 2002). "Sweetest Little Warbird in the Sky". Popular Science. 260 (6): 30, 32–33. ISSN 0161-7370.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aero L-39.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aero_L-39_Albatros&oldid=1260558195"