Aero L-39
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The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance, jet trainer aircraft developed in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfín. It was the first turbofan trainer produced, and was later updated as the L-59 Super Albatros. The design is still produced in an evolved state as the L-159, while more than 2,800 L-39s still serve with over 30 air forces around the world. The Albatros is versatile, seeing duty in light attack missions as well as basic and advanced pilot training, and is the most widely-used jet trainer in the world.
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Development
The L-39 first flew on November 4, 1968, and was employed as the basic jet trainer for the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and the rest of the Warsaw Pact nations from 1971 onward. The L-59, orignally designated the L-39MS, a minor update to the design, remained in production until 1999.
Operational history
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 owners all over the world. This 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. Their popularity has led to a purely L-39 'Jet Unlimited' class at the Reno Air Races. At present approximately 220 L-39Cs, 2 L-39ZOs and 20 L-39ZAs are on the US Federal Aviation register.
Trivia
Two L-39ZOs were featured in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, while one made an appearance in Lord of War.
Variants
- L-39C - standard production version
- L-39V - single-seat target tug
- L-39ZO - A four pylon light attack variant with an enhanced wing structure
- L-39ZA - A significant enhancement of the L-39 ZO, employing sturdier landing gear, a higher payload and notably the GsH-23L - 23 Milimeter twin barrelled cannon suspended under the pilots compartment supporting 150 round magazine within the airframe.
- L-39Z/ART - Thai version with Elbit avionics
- L-39ZA - A significant enhancement of the L-39 ZO, employing sturdier landing gear, a higher payload and notably the GsH-23L - 23 Milimeter twin barrelled cannon suspended under the pilots compartment supporting 150 round magazine within the airframe.
- L-139 - updated L-39C with Western avionics and Garrett TFE731 engine. First flown 1993
Users Past and Present
Specifications (L-39C)
Image:Aero L-39 ALBATROSS.png Template:Airtemp
External links
Related content
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