NEW CZECH L-39NG MAKES FIRST FLIGHT
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| New Czech L-39NG makes first flight. |
The first pre-serial L-39NG trainer and light attack aircraft with serial number 7001 made its first flight at Aero Vodochody Airport on December 22, 2018. The new Czech jet trainer was piloted by Aero’s test pilots David Jahoda and VladimÃr Továrek. At 10:38am, the aircraft took off from the runway, climbed up to 5,000 ft. and after 26 minutes successfully landed at Aero Vodochody.
Two months after the introduction of the latest jet trainer at the rollout ceremony on October 12, the first L-39NG proved its readiness to flight and to start certification tests. The aircraft has flown in a configuration that is representative of serial aircraft including final upgraded wet wing and air inlets. Aero intends to achieve type certification by the end of 2019.
“This pre-series first flight represents a significant milestone sending an important message to our customers: We can fully fulfil our commitments and we will be ready to deliver the first aircraft in the first quarter of 2020,” said Giuseppe Giordo, President & CEO of AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE. The program is running according to the plan showing its full maturity thanks to a great commitment of Aero, Czech institutions and partners of the project.
"The L-39NG performed extremely well and fully met our expectations in terms of stability and controllability. We could even perform some tests like configuration changes, acceleration up to 200 knots, turns to 30, 45, and 60 degrees and slow down to approach speed. All installed systems worked perfectly and outlook outside the cockpit was excellent. The L-39NG is a completely new aircraft and I believe, it has great potential to become a perfect trainer for the 4th and 5th generation fighters as well as a light attack platform," said David Jahoda, Aero Test Pilot.
“This pre-series first flight represents a significant milestone sending an important message to our customers: We can fully fulfil our commitments and we will be ready to deliver the first aircraft in the first quarter of 2020,” said Giuseppe Giordo, President & CEO of AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE. The program is running according to the plan showing its full maturity thanks to a great commitment of Aero, Czech institutions and partners of the project.
"The L-39NG performed extremely well and fully met our expectations in terms of stability and controllability. We could even perform some tests like configuration changes, acceleration up to 200 knots, turns to 30, 45, and 60 degrees and slow down to approach speed. All installed systems worked perfectly and outlook outside the cockpit was excellent. The L-39NG is a completely new aircraft and I believe, it has great potential to become a perfect trainer for the 4th and 5th generation fighters as well as a light attack platform," said David Jahoda, Aero Test Pilot.
During 2018, Aero announced agreements with the first customers. They include the Republic of Senegal, the Portuguese private company SkyTech and the American private company RSW. Orders from these customers will ensure the production of 38 aircraft. Currently, Aero is also finalizing an agreement with the national customer LOM Praha, the Czech state military company and pilot training provider, and conducting negotiations with other potential customers.
Source, Images: AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE
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