The Aero L-39NG ("Next Generation") is a turbofan-powered military trainer and light combat aircraft developed and produced by the Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody. It is a successor of the Cold War era Aero L-39 Albatros.
During July 2014, Aero Vodochody announced the launch of the L-39NG programme. By April 2015, the company revealed a partnership between itself, Draken International and Williams International to jointly work on the project - the latter provides its FJ44-4M turbofan engine for the aircraft, while Draken shall be responsible to the type on the North American market, as well as operate its own fleet. On 14 September 2015, the maiden flight of the L-39NG technology demonstrator (L-39CW) was performed. On 14 March 2018, type certification of the L-39CW was received. On 22 December 2018, the first L-39NG prototype conducted its first flight. In September 2020, the Czech defence ministry certificated the L39NG using supranational military standards.
The L-39NG project has been divided into two distinct stages, or versions. The Stage 1 programme is an upgrade that is available to existing L-39 operators; the original airframes are retrofitted with a new engine and (optionally) modern avionics. The Stage 2 programme involves the production of new-build aircraft; these benefit from several design improvements, such as the use of a wet wing, eliminating the original L-39's distinctive wingtip fuel tanks. During September 2020, the Czech defence ministry certificated the L39NG in accordance with supranational military standards. Numerous civil and military customers have placed orders for the L-39NG, including a dedicated reconnaissance variant.
Design and development
On 16 July 2014, while attending the Farnborough Airshow, Aero Vodochody presented its L-39NG project as a follow-on to its popular Aero L-39 Albatros trainer aircraft. By April 2015, Aero Vodochody had formed a partnership with the American defence services provider Draken International and engine manufacturer Williams International to collaborate on the L-39NG programme; under this agreement, Draken International assumed responsibility for the type in the North American market. For other regions of the world, Aero remains responsible for the modernisation of existing aircraft at their facilities in the Czech Republic.
The L-39NG aircraft is being developed and marketed in two stages. The L-39NG upgrade program (Stage 1) involves an installation of FJ44-4M turbofan engine and optionally the Stage 2 avionics to existing L-39 Albatros. The FJ44-4M engine generated almost identical thrust output to the Soviet-era Ivchenko AI-25 engine that powered the original L-39 series, but at a considerably lower fuel consumption as well as possessing more favourable operating characteristics. On 14 September 2015, the maiden flight of the L-39NG technology demonstrator (L-39CW) was performed, the first stage of development was declared to be complete that same month. On 20 November 2017, Aero Vodochody announced they have completed the development of the L-39CW. On 14 March 2018, the company announced that the L-39CW had received type certification, signifying its airworthiness and readiness for serial manufacture.
The second phase (Stage 2) represents newly built L-39NG aircraft with the possible use of components from the previous upgrade to Stage 1, once the original airframe reaches the end of its life. The new airframe is considerably lighter and produces less drag, overall, the redesigned aircraft was said to have comparable operating costs to contemporary turboprops. Amongst other advances, modern composite construction is used. In June 2017, Aero Vodochody unveiled its plan to build four pre-production examples of L-39NG for testing and demonstration. In July 2017, Aero Vodochody began producing parts for the assembly of four aircraft, three of which are to be prototypes and one pre-serial production aircraft.
In April 2018, a partnership agreement was signed between Aero Vodochody and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the integration of the latter's virtual training solutions onto the L-39NG, in addition to jointly working on other projects. The first L-39NG prototype was rolled out in Odolena Voda on 12 October 2018, and conducted its maiden flight on 22 December 2018. During September 2020, the Czech defence ministry certificated the L39NG in accordance with new supranational military standards recognised by all EU and NATO military authorities; this allows the aircraft to operate in international airspace and that it conforms with all safety requirements. In July 2022, EU/NATO certification to EMAR 21 standards was granted for the baseline version of the L-39NG.