Aero L-39 is a Czech-made aircraft designed to train pilots. It can also be used as a maneuverable short-range fighter. There are civilian versions of the aircraft that the pilots loved for their convenience, ease of control, speed, maneuverability and reliability.
Description
Aero L-39 Albatros (the abbreviated name is "Ellie") was produced serially by the Czech airline Aero Vodochody. From 1968 to 1999, 2868 units of the L-39 model and 80 units of the upgraded version of the L-59 were produced. In more than thirty countries around the world, the L-39 training aircraft is still in service (Russia, among them).
L-39 Albatros is a single-engine two-seat jet training aircraft. It is often used for primary pilot training and advanced training for experienced pilots. Possibilities of use as fighters are limited by flight performance (small size, insufficient armament). However, the model is quite effective in the fight against reconnaissance drones, drones, helicopters.
History
L-39 - a plane with a rich history. The first flight of the Albatross took place in 1968, and since then Aero has delivered more than 2,900 units of several versions of this successful model. L-39 still serves in the Air Force of many countries, and is also popular among private pilots, especially in the United States.
Although the L-39 is no longer manufactured, military and civilian modifications of the aircraft are constantly being improved by modernizing control systems, communications, navigation, weapons, etc. The main consumers of the L-39 Albatros were the USSR and the Warsaw Pact countries. European and American consumers also praised the simplicity, speed, maneuverability and affordability of the L-39.
The aircraft is the successor to the first Czechoslovak jet aircraft L-29 Delfín. The Czech authorities are considering the resumption of production of an extremely successful “baby” in different versions.
Timeline creation
For 30 years, Aero Vodochody has developed and produced several modifications:
- 1964 - the beginning of the design of the Albatross as a training jet aircraft.
- 1968 - the first flight.
- 1971 - the start of mass production of the L-39C.
- 1972 - the first flight of the L-39V - a version designed for targeted towing.
- 1974 - Aero became part of the Czechoslovak Air Force.
- 1975 - the first flight of the L-39ZO with four underwing suspension units.
- 1977 - the first flight of the L-39ZA with four underwing and ventral suspension nodes for aircraft guns.
- 1996 - end of mass production of L-39 Albatros.
Even after the cessation of mass production, Aero did not hide the drawings of the L-39 in a distant box, but continues to improve the model. The company provides a wide range of services for its operators, including increasing the service life, overhaul and modernization of aircraft. Among the clients are the armies of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Algeria, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries.
Appointment
L-39 Albatros is a conventional two-seat single-engine jet training and training aircraft, which is intended for advanced training and initial training, as well as for additional testing of battles against enemy air and flightless targets. You can fly on it like on an ordinary light combat aircraft.
This model is often an alternative to artificial flight simulators. It is being tested on combat options, but unlike the computer version, the crew is mastering the technique and practicing live techniques in natural conditions. Easy to operate, lightweight and at the same time functional and well thought out - such is the L-39 aircraft.
Characteristics
This unit has several advantages over other models. For example, it is distinguished by a rather solid engine of the 1xAI 25TL series. Plus, the “dry” thrust is 3307 lbf (14.7 kN). The cabin is designed for a crew of two people, but everything is distributed very rationally, compactly and conveniently.
The length of the aircraft is 13 meters, its wingspan - 9.44 m, the area of each of the wings - 18.8 square meters. m, height - 4.7 m. The weight of an empty aircraft is 3400 kg, while when loaded, the weight increases to 4370 kg. Despite the decent weight for such a small vessel, its considerable speed is 750 km / h. There are some other characteristics that distinguish the L-39 in a good way. The aircraft has a Ferry range (with PTB) of 1000 km, its practical ceiling is 11,500 meters.
Civil Aviation Applications
L-39 is an important part of the state civil program. The Czech Ministry of Defense is focusing on supporting civilian operators piloting the Albotros. A specially created support and modernization program includes its own specifics of training and flight use of this aircraft, which is very popular in dozens of countries.
Aero is an excellent subsonic training jet. Despite the fact that it was developed in the 1960s, and today it remains in demand in civil aviation. Until now, the L-39 aircraft is considered a favorite model for recreation and sports flights. The photos eloquently show how well the device is thought out in terms of design, but we must not forget about its excellent flight characteristics, a high level of safety and low requirements for maintenance and operation. All this made the L-39 the most popular civilian model.
More than 300 Albotros units carry civil service around the world. Simple operation and unrivaled flight characteristics enable many aerobatic teams, including the French Breitling Jet Team, a team of pilots from Russian Vyazma, the Patriots Jet Team from the USA, the military aerobatic team of Belarus and, more recently, the Meisus Jet Team Czech, to successfully use the Aero aircraft Albatros.