2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16
"Aero L-39" is a Czech-made aircraft designed for pilot training. It can also be used as a maneuverable short-range fighter. There are civilian versions of the aircraft, beloved by pilots for their convenience, ease of control, speed, maneuverability and reliability.
Description
Aero L-39 Albatros (abbreviated name - "Ellie") was mass-produced by the Czech airline Aero Vodochody. Between 1968 and 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 of the world, the L-39 training aircraft is still in service (Russia is one of them).
L-39 Albatros is a single-engine, two-seat jet trainer. It is more often used for primary pilot training and advanced training for experienced pilots. The possibilities of use as fighters are limited by flight performance (small size, insufficient armament). However, the model is quiteeffective against reconnaissance drones, UAVs, helicopters.
History
L-39 is an aircraft 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. The L-39 still serves in the air forces of many countries, and is also popular with private pilots, especially in the USA.
Although the L-39 is no longer produced, 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 resuming the production of an extremely successful "baby" in various versions.
Chronology of Creation
For 30 years, Aero Vodochody has developed and produced several modifications:
- 1964 - The beginning of the design of the Albatross as a jet trainer.
- 1968 - first flight.
- 1971 L-39C mass production begins.
- 1972 - First flight of the L-39V - Target towing version.
- 1974 - Aero became part of the Czechoslovak Air Force.
- 1975 L-39ZO first flight withfour underwing hardpoints.
- 1977 - First flight of L-39ZA with four underwing and ventral air gun hardpoints.
- 1996 - end of serial production of L-39 Albatros.
Even after the cessation of serial production, Aero did not hide the drawings of the L-39 aircraft in a distant box, but continues to improve the model. The firm provides a wide range of services to its operators, including life extension, overhaul and aircraft upgrades. Among the clients are the armies of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Algeria, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries.
Destination
L-39 Albatros is a conventional single-engine, two-seat jet trainer and training aircraft, which is intended for advanced training and initial training, as well as for additional training in combat against enemy air and non-flying targets. You can also fly it like a regular light combat aircraft.
This model is often an alternative to artificial flight simulators. Combat options are practiced on it, but unlike the computer version, the crew masters the technique and practices live, in natural conditions. Easy to operate, lightweight and at the same time functional and thoughtful - this is the L-39 aircraft.
Features
This device has a number of advantages over other models. For example, it is distinguished by a rather solid engine of the 1xAI 25TL series. Plus, a dry thrust of 3,307 lbf (14.7 kN). Cabindesigned for a crew of two, but everything is distributed very rationally, compactly and conveniently.
The length of the aircraft is 13 meters, its wingspan is 9.44 meters, the area of each of the wings is 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 a decent mass for such a small vessel, its speed is considerable - 750 km / h. There are some other characteristics that distinguish the L-39 model in a good way. The aircraft has a Ferry range (with PTB) of 1000 km, its service ceiling is 11,500 meters.
Civil aviation applications
L-39 is a significant part of the state civilian 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 for training and piloting this aircraft, which is very popular in dozens of countries around the world.
Aero is a great subsonic trainer jet. Despite the fact that it was developed in the 1960s, it remains in demand in civil aviation today. Until now, the L-39 aircraft is considered to be the favorite model for recreation and sports flights. The photos eloquently testify to how well the device is thought out in terms of design, but we should not forget about its excellent flight characteristics, high level of safety and low requirements for maintenance and operation. All this made the L-39the most popular civilian model.
More than 300 units of "Albotros" carry out public service around the world. The simple handling and unsurpassed flight characteristics make it possible for many aerobatic teams, including the French Breitling Jet Team, the Russian Vyazma pilot team, the US Patriots Jet Team, the Belarusian military aerobatic team and, more recently, the Maysus Jet Team Czech, to successfully use the Aero aircraft. Albatros.
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