The L-39NG forms the second part of
the ‘family’ that Aero wants the US to
consider. The L-39CW is a development
of the L-39 with a new Williams
International FJ44-4M engine and
modernized avionics (based around
Genesys Aerosystems multi-function
displays and SPEEL Praha head-up
displays) that will be o ered as an
upgrade for current L-39 operators.
This intermediate variant is conducting
ight-test activities prior to the arrival
of the new airframe in the de nitive
L-39NG. The company is developing the
L-39NG in two phases, beginning with
integration of the Williams engine and
new avionics on the CW. The second step
will introduce a new airframe and other
systems modi cations.
Senegal was announced as a customer
in April 2018 during Independence Day
celebrations. Four L-39NGs are now in
pre-series production, featuring a digital
cockpit and Elbit Systems Targo II helmet-
mounted sight. The L-39NG is equipped
with ve hardpoints and features ‘a
broad range’ of embedded IAI simulation
technology to increase training e ciency.Market potential
Aero Vodochody thinks the OA-X
initiative is indicative of a growing market
for reliable, low-cost, close air support
aircraft, although Giordo says the current
plan is ‘more related’ to the US market
speci cally. In addition to the USAF it sees
potential from the US Marine Corps to
enable austere operations at a lower cost
than fourth or fth-generation ghters.
The companies are looking to support
L-39NG production and assembly in
the US, and say they are discussing
participation with ‘several US partners’.
Giordo adds that the L-159 would likely be
o ered in current and upgraded versions
with next-generation avionics, presumably
based on L-39NG architecture.
Either way, it will be very tough for Aero
to sprint past the work that has been
completed on the AT-6 and A-29 o erings
the USAF has spent so much time
deliberating over. Draken International
has established a useful footprint in the
US for the L-159 through its aggressor
services, but whether that is ready to
translate into a service-led light attack
capability remains to be seen.2014 to support its adversary air contract
with the USAF at Nellis AFB, Nevada. The
rst upgraded L-159E ‘Honey Badger’ for
Draken was handed over on September
20, 2015, and 21 are now said to be on
order for the company.
Having originally been developed
for the Czech Air Force, 72 L-159As and
one L-159B were planned to be built.
However, only 37 were actually delivered,
and following early technical problems
and nancial considerations in 2004
the Czech government reduced the
operational eet to just 18 aircraft, plus
six held in reserve status, with 47 surplus
production aircraft to be sold.
Following on the heels of the Draken
deal, in August 2014 the Czech Ministry
of Defense (MoD) approved the sale of 15
L-159s to Iraq, comprising 12 single-seat
L-159As and three two-seat examples.
The rst two aircraft were delivered in
November 2015 to Balad air base and
by June 2018 a total of 11 had arrived in
Iraq, including the rst two-seat L-159T1.
The Iraqi order actually included one
‘new-build’ aircraft and production was
restarted in September 2016.Together with
IAI, Aero is
ready to offer the
USAF a multi-mission
aircraft with the best
available technology
today, with potential
for growth tomorrow
Giuseppe Giordo, Aero Vodochody
president and CEOAbove left to
right: An artist’s
impression of the
L-39NG, which
features a new
airframe.
Aero and IAI are
eyeing potential
light attack
markets with the
USAF and the
Marine Corps.
Below: The
L-39CW is
being offered
as an upgrade
option for
existing Albatros
operators.16 August 2018 //^ http://www.combataircraft.net
SPECIAL REPORT // AERO VODOCHODY LIGHT ATTACK
14-16 Vodochody C.indd 16 21/06/2018 13: