ODOLENA VODA, Czech Republic -- Czech aircraft maker AeroVodochody Aerospace rolled out the first L-39NG pre-series trainer Oct. 12. The rollout was in line with the L-39NG project schedule and Aero is now preparing the aircraft for its maiden flight planned before the end of this year.
Aero Vodochody is a company with historically the biggest production of light jets in Europe and one of the world's biggest (total production of 6,700 jets). However, it has been more than 20 years since a brand new jet aircraft rolled out from the hangar.
"When we bought Aero in 2006, the company was in a very bad shape, the development of our own aircraft was not realistic. We have set up a strategy where Aero has become a major subcontractor for Tier 1 aerospace companies. Nevertheless, at the same time we have kept the key people from the development team in order to maintain our know-how. Today, it is evident, that we have made a right decision," said Marek Dospiva, partner of Penta Investments.
Since 2016, Aero has a strategic plan to reinforce its position as a leading producer of jet trainer and light attack aircraft. The next generation of the legendary L-39, the L-39NG, represents the key asset to achieve this target. "The L-39NG is defining the future of Czech aviation by taking the best from its tradition, bringing modern technology, and providing the best training and light attack solution available on the market. The L-39NG is already attracting a lot of international attention and customers and will definitely strengthen the customer community we already have," said Giuseppe Giordo, President and CEO of Aero Vodochody.
The new jet trainer project is supported by the strategic partner, Czech military company Omnipol.
The L-39NG is a jet trainer and light attack platform. The aircraft is a single-engine two-seater with staggered seating and an advanced cockpit design that includes full glass cockpit, a sophisticated on board virtual training system and a Helmet Mounted Display. The L-39NG is a key component of an innovative training concept developed by Aero that includes state-of-the-art ground-based training devices, new learning methods and environment and extensive use of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence technologies. The L-39NG has been designed as a maintenance-friendly aircraft in anticipation of many decades of service.
The L-39NG's development has accelerated in the last two years in order to be able to deliver the first aircraft to the market in 2020. In 2017, the initial pre-serial production and the industrialization phase started including agreements with all key suppliers and partners of the project - both international and Czech companies (about 40 Czech suppliers). The certification of the new avionics and engine installation was completed at the end of 2017, with the aircraft's certification slated for the end of 2019.
Aero Vodochody estimates the potential demand in the next 10-15 years for trainer aircraft will be up to 3,000 units. Current training fleets around the world are rapidly ending their lifetime and do not respond to the future needs of pilots training for the 4th and 5th generation fighters. In conservative scenario, Aero expects to deliver 150 aircraft in the next 10 years.
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