Aero L-39 Albatros

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
L-39 Albatros
A Czech Air Force L-39
Role Military
ground-attack aircraft
National origin Czechoslovakia
Manufacturer Aero Vodochody
Designer Jan Vlček[1]
First flight 4 November 1968
Introduction 28 March 1972 with the Czechoslovak Air Force[2]
Status In service
Primary users
Libyan Air Force
Syrian Air Force
Produced 1971–1996[3]
2023–present (L-39NG)[4]
Number built 2,900[3]
Developed from Aero L-29 Delfín
Variants Aero L-39NG
Developed into
Aero L-159 Alca

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer designed and produced in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody. In addition to performing basic and advanced pilot training, it has also flown combat missions in a light-attack role. Unusually, the aircraft never received a NATO reporting name.

The L-39 Albatros was designed during the 1960s as a successor to the Aero L-29 Delfín, an early jet-powered principal training aircraft. Performing its maiden flight on 4 November 1968, it became the first trainer aircraft in the world to be equipped with a turbofan powerplant. Quantity production of the L-39 Albatros proceeded in 1971; one year later, it was formally recognized by the majority of the Warsaw Pact countries as their preferred primary trainer. Accordingly, thousands of L39s would be produced for various military customers in Eastern Europe. Additionally, it was exported to a range of countries across the world both as a trainer and a light attack aircraft. Since the 1990s, it has also become popular among civilian operators. By the end of the century, in excess of 2,800 L-39s had served with over 30 air forces.

Several derivatives of the L-39 Albatros were developed. During the 1980s, Aero Vodochody used it as the basis for the

L-159 ALCA, entered production in 1997, and has since been procured by a range of export customers. Production of the original L-39 came to an end during the mid-1990s, orders having declined substantially following the end of the Cold War. At the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014, Aero Vodochody announced the launch of the L-39NG, an upgraded and modernised version of the L-39; this programme is set to produce new-build aircraft alongside the extensive rebuilding of existing aircraft. In 2023, production of the L-39NG resumed, with 34 aircraft on order.[4]

Development

In 1964, the Czechoslovak aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody embarked on a new design project to meet the specified requirements for a "C-39" (C for cvičný – trainer), setting up a design team under the leadership of Jan Vlček [cs]. This aircraft was to serve as a replacement for the Aero L-29 Delfín, an early jet-powered trainer, as a principal training aircraft.[5][6] Vlcek envisioned the type, a twin-seat single-engine aircraft, being adopted as the primary trainer throughout the Warsaw Pact nations.[1]

On 4 November 1969, the L-39 (under the designation "Prototype X-02" – the second airframe to be built) conducted its maiden flight, for which it was piloted by Rudolf Duchoň, the factory's test pilot.[7][8] Serial production of the initial model of the L-39, designated L-39C, commenced in 1971. During 1972, the L-39 Albatros was formally recognized by the majority of the countries comprising the Warsaw Pact as their preferred primary trainer, after which point, sizable orders from military customers throughout the bloc proceeded, many of which were from the Soviet Air Forces.[1][3] In 1974, the first L-39 trainer entered service with the Czechoslovak Air Force.[3]

An Estonian L-39 in flight, 2007

Several specialised variants of the base L-39 design were quickly introduced. In 1972, a purpose-built target tug variant, the L-39V, conducted its initial flight.[3] During 1975, the first L-39ZO training/light combat model, which was equipped with four underwing hardpoints as well as a strengthened wing and modified landing gear, performed its first flight.[3] In 1977, the first L-39ZA light combat variant, which was fitted with a single Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 cannon mounted underneath the fuselage in addition to the four hardpoints and strengthening of the L-39ZO, made its maiden flight.[3][9][10]

According to aerospace publication Flight International, roughly 200 L-39s were being sold each year in the jet trainer market during the late 1980s.[11] According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in 1993, the total export orders gained for the L-39 represented 80 per cent of the value of all Czech military product export sales made for that year.[12] During the 1990s, shortly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, Aero Vodochody decided to develop versions of the Albatros equipped with Western-sourced avionics, engines, and weapon systems.[11] Around the same time, Aero Vodochody formed an active partnership with Elbit Systems of Israel, under which a number of L-39s were delivered to Elbit to be equipped with modern electronics and onboard systems before being re-exported to end users such as the Royal Thai Air Force.[13][14][15]

Sales of the L-39 declined during the 1990s. This downturn has been attributed to the loss of the captive Warsaw Pact trainer market, to which a substantial proportion of the total aircraft manufactured had been historically sold; allegations about Czechoslovak banks being unable to finance the defense industry and inaction on the part of the Czechoslovak government; and concerns over the quality of manufacturing standards.[11] In 1996, production of the L-39 came to an end.[3] Since the end of production, Aero Vodochody has developed several improved variants of the L-39 to take its place, and has continued extensive support and overhaul operations for existing L-39 customers.[16]

One of the replacements for the L-39 Albatros was the

British Aerospace Hawk. The L-39NG replaces the AI-25 turbofan with a Williams FJ44 engine; the airframe is modified, the wingtip fuel tanks being eliminated, and a new suite of avionics will be provided. The first flight of the L-39NG was in December 2018, and final military type certification was granted by the Czech Military Aviation Authority in 2022.[19][20] The first production L-39NG is expected to fly by the end of 2022.[21]

Design

An L-39 at the 2014 Reno Air Race

The L-39 Albatros was designed to be a cost-effective jet-powered trainer aircraft, which is also capable of performing ground attack missions. For operational flexibility, simplicity, and affordability, the majority of onboard systems have been simplified to avoid incurring high levels of maintenance, as well as to minimize damage caused by mishandling when flown by inexperienced air crew.[22] It could be readily flown from austere airstrips such as frozen lakebeds, enabled through the rugged design of the landing gear and favourable low landing speeds. The aircraft's flying qualities are reportedly simple, which is made easier by way of a rapid throttle response, making it easier for students who had never previously flown a jet aircraft before to successfully control.[23] As a training platform, the L-39 itself comprised part of a comprehensive system which also used flight simulators and mobile ground test equipment.[8]

An L-39C Albatros at Wings over Illawarra in 2017

The low-set,

hydraulic system. Controls are pushrod-actuated and have electrically powered servo tabs on the ailerons and rudder. Operational g-force limits at 4,200 kilograms (9,300 lb) are +8/-4 g.[24]

The underside of an L39 Albatros in-flight, 2008

A long, pointed nose leads back to the tandem cockpit, in which the student and instructor sit on Czech-built VS-1

ejection seats under individual canopies, which are opened manually and are hinged on the right.[25] The rear seat, typically used by the instructor, is elevated slightly to readily enable observation and guidance of the student's actions in the forward position.[24][26] The design of the cockpit, panel layout and many of its fittings resemble or are identical in function to those of other commonly-used Soviet aircraft; for example, the procedure for deploying the ejection seat is exactly the same as for the Mikoyan MiG-29.[27] The cockpit is partially pressurized, requiring the air crew to wear oxygen masks when flying in excess of 23,000 feet.[28] A gyro gunsight for weapon-aiming purposes is typically present in the forward position only.[29]

A single

time between overhaul (TBO) of 1,000 flight hours; however, it is allegedly cheaper than the majority of turbine engines to overhaul.[30] Five rubber bag fuel tanks are located in the fuselage behind the cockpit. Several heavy radio units are typically installed in an aft avionics bay; these are often removed on civilian-operated aircraft and replaced with a 70-gallon fuel tank. Additional fuel tanks can be fitted in the rear cockpit position and externally underneath the wings; the tip-tanks can also be expanded for a greater fuel capacity.[28]

The aircraft is fitted with a hydraulically-actuated retractable nosewheel undercarriage which is designed to allow operation from grass airfields. The main landing gear legs retract inward into wing bays while the nose gear retracts forward.[24] The basic L-39C trainer has provision for two underwing pylons for drop tanks or practice weapons, but these are not usually fitted.[31] It can be armed with a pair of K-13 missiles to provide a basic air defense capability.[29] Light-attack variants have four underwing hardpoints for ground attack stores, while the ZA variant also has an underfuselage gun pod.[32] Mock UB-16 rocket pods can also be installed for visual appearance only.[26]

Operational history

Civil L-39 in fictional Soviet 84th Light Strike Squadron markings
An Aero L-39 Albatros of the Breitling Jet Team

Abkhazia

During the

Sokhumi, Georgian forces managed to damage an L-39, which fell into the sea.[33]

In the spring of 2008, a number of

Vympel R-73 heat seeking missile.[35]

Afghanistan

The

1996–2001 phase of the Afghan civil war against the Northern Alliance. In early 2001, only two of these reportedly remained operational.[36][37] Following the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, a number of L-39s were inducted into the Afghan Air Force.[38][39]

Azerbaijan

A quantity of L-39s, along with older L-29s, were used extensively by Azeri forces to perform ground attack missions during the

Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army.[40] In September 2015, Aero Vodochody sought a large order for the latest model of the L-39 to Azerbaijan; by this point, Azerbaijan had a total of 24 airworthy L-39s remaining in service.[41]

Chechnya

The newly de facto independent

Strela-2 MANPADS fired by Doku Zavgayev's pro-Russian militia. The pilot, Col. Ali Musayev and the co-pilot Dedal Dadayev were killed.[43][44]

One of the main reasons that prompted the first

Su-25 air raids that destroyed the Chechen air force on the ground, and started the Russian intervention, were preparations being performed by Dudayev's air force, which had been spotted by reconnaissance Sukhoi Su-24MRs. There were fears that these aircraft could slow or deter the Russian air and ground campaign, as well as the capability of several aircraft to conduct kamikaze attacks on Russian nuclear power plants (specifically via means of the ejection seat in most aircraft, notably the L-39, by filling them with explosives to act as improvised cruise missiles).[44]

Iraq

Iraq became the first export customer for the L-39 Albatros.[8] By mid 1970, the Iraqi Air Force had procured a considerable number of L-39 trainers, having transferred the bulk of their training activities onto the Czechoslovak aircraft.[45] During the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, on 14 April 2003, a pair of United States Navy McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets attacked several L-29 and L-39 aircraft on the ground at an airfield near the city of Tikrit; these had been believed to have been modified to perform as delivery platforms for weapons.[46]

Libya

Libya acquired some 180 L-39ZOs around 1978 which served at

SF.260s (for primary training).[47]

The L-39s were deployed during the

UN, reported the aforementioned capture on 11 L-39s and the destruction (or downing) of at least four of them.[48]

In the midst of that conflict, on 21 April 1983, three LARAF

embargo placed upon the country by United Nations Security Council Resolution 748; by 2001, only half of Libya's L-39s were serviceable as a consequence.[51]

Russia

Pair of Russian L-39s performing an aerobatic demonstration at the 2015 MAKS air show

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Russian Air Force in 1991, the newly formed service found itself with hundreds of L-39 aircraft, the majority of which were surplus to their training requirements. According to author Stephan Wilkinson, by 2005, Russia was seeking to potentially sell up to 800 of their L-39s, which were receiving only a basic level of maintenance once per month while their fate was being decided.[52] Starting in the early 1990s, the Russian Air Force has pursued the development of a domestically-built jet trainer, for which the Yakovlev Yak-130 was selected; the Yak-130 shall eventually replace the L-39 in Russian service within its operational roles.[53][54]

Ukraine

On 24 February 2022, a Ukrainian L-39 from the

Order of the Gold Star.[55][56]

On 25 August 2023, two Ukrainian L-39s collided during a combat mission over

F-16s to Ukraine.[57]

Syria

The

Battle of Aleppo, launching several strikes upon rebel-held positions.[59][60][61] It has been claimed the L-39 was the first fixed-wing aircraft to be employed against the rebels.[62]

In February 2013, insurgents successfully captured a number of intact L-39s, along with their support equipment, after raiding and later taking over the Al-Jarrah airbase.[63][64] In late 2013, reports emerged of claims by Islamist fighters that they had successfully flown two of the captured L-39s.[65][66] In October 2014, the Syrian Government claimed that at least two rebel-held L-39s had been airworthy and had recently been destroyed by Syrian Air Force aircraft.[67]

According to Reuters, by 2014, the L-39 had allegedly become one of the favoured platforms of the Syrian Air Force for performing ground attack missions due to its slower speed and higher agility over other aircraft in its inventory. In December 2015, following the securing of the Kweiris airbase by government forces, the resumption of ground-attack missions by L-39s in the vicinity of Aleppo commenced shortly thereafter.[62]

On 26 December 2017, a Syrian L-39 was shot down near Hama airport.[68][69]

On 3 March 2020, a Syrian Arab Army Air Force L-39 was shot down by a Turkish Air Force F-16 over Idlib province. Both Syrian and Turkish forces confirmed the downing.[70]

Civilian use

An L-39 at the 2014 Reno Air Race

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 warbird owners all over the world. It has been claimed that the L-39's desirability stems from the fact that it is "the only available second-generation jet trainer".[26] This trend 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.[71] Their popularity led to a purely L-39 Jet class being introduced at the Reno Air Races in 2002, though it has since been expanded to include other, similar aircraft.[72][73][74]

A civilian owned L-39 in Australia in 2011

In September 2012, there were 255 L-39s registered with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and four registered with Transport Canada.[75][76] Several display teams use the L-39 such as the Patriots Jet Team (6 L-39s), the Breitling Jet Team (7 L-39s) and the Black Diamond Jet Team (5 L-39s).[77][78] There are also several L-39s that have been made available for private jet rides by various operators in Australia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Spain and the US.[79][80][81] These L-39s are mostly in private hands, but some also belong to government agencies, such as those in Vyazma, Russia.[82][83] In March 2018 there were five L-39s on the civilian register in New Zealand. One registered as an L-39 [84] and four others registered as L-39C.[85]

Since 2004, the Defence & MRO Division of Aero Vodochody has performed a general maintenance, repair and modernisation program of civil-operated L-39s, as well as performing the demilitarisation of ex-military aircraft.[83] Services offered to civil operators include life-extension programs, support for civil registration/certification, training of ground/flight crew, logistics and analysis, customization, routine inspection, condition-based maintenance support, and providing general expertise/consultancy work.[83]

Variants

Aero L-39C Albatros, Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force
Aero L-39C Albatros ( "103 BLUE"[86]), Ukrainian Air Force
Aero L-39M1 Albatros, Ukrainian Air Force
L-39X-01 – X-07
Five prototypes plus two static test airframes.[7]
L-39C (C for Cvičná – training)
Standard basic trainer for Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and export. Originally designated L-39, but renamed L-39C when later variants appeared. Two pylons under wing. Approximately 2,260 built.[31]
L-39CM (CM for Cvičná modernizovaná – modernised training)
Slovak upgraded C version.
L-39M1[87]
Ukrainian upgraded C version with AI-25TLSh engines. The conversion is carried out by Odesaviaremservis and the first plane was ready in 2009. The upgrade of a further 7 L-39C's was planned.[88] Only six L-39C were converted into L-39M1 by 2014[89]
L-39V (V for Vlečná – tug)
Single-seat target tug version for Czechoslovakia. Equipped to tow KT-04 target on 1,700 m (5,600 ft) cable. Prototype plus eight production aircraft built.[90]
L-39ZO (Z for Zbraně – weapons)
Interim weapon trainer variant for export. Four pylons stressed for 500 kg (1,100 lb) (inboard) and 250 kg (550 lb) (outboard), with total external load of 1,150 kg (2,500 lb).[24] First flew 25 June 1975, with initial deliveries to Iraq in 1977. 337 built.[91]
L-39ZA
Significantly upgraded L-39ZO for armed training and light attack, employing sturdier landing gear, a higher payload (total 1,290 kg (2,844 lb))
R-60 air-to-air missiles. Two prototypes, with first flying on 29 September 1976. 208 aircraft delivered.[92]
L-39ZAM
Slovak upgraded ZA version.
L-39ZA/ART
Thai version of L-39ZA with
Elbit avionics. 40 built.[93]
L-39MS/L-59
The Aero L-39MS is a second generation military trainer aircraft developed from the firm's earlier L-39. Compared to its predecessor, it featured a strengthened fuselage, longer nose, a vastly updated cockpit, and a more powerful (21.6 kN (4,850 lbf))
Lotarev DV-2 engine, allowing operation at higher weights and speeds (max speed 872 km/h (542 mph)).[94][95] First flight on 30 September 1986. It was later designated as the Aero L-59.[96]
L-139 Albatros 2000
Revised version with western avionics and 17.99 kN (4,045 lbf) Garrett TFE731-4-1T engine. Single prototype built.[97]
L-159
Further modernised advanced trainer/combat aircraft with more modern, western avionics and Honeywell/ITEC F124 engine.[98]
L-39NG
Modernised and upgraded version with Williams FJ44 engine, improved fuel system and avionics, planned to be introduced in 2018.[99]
Skyleader UL-39 Albi
A carbon-fibre ducted-fan powered scale variant first flown in the Czech Republic on 4 April 2016.[100]

Operators

A Bulgarian Air Force L-39 Albatros
A Slovak L-39ZA (1701) in Biele Albatrosy colors at Radom Air Show 2005
L-39C in civil use
L-39ZO On display at Technik Museum Speyer hotel
L-39 of the Royal Thai Air Force in 2013

Notable accidents and incidents

Aircraft on display

Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim
Czech Republic
Germany
  • Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim[112]
Lithuania
United States

Specifications (L-39C)

Orthographically projected diagram of the Aero L-39 Albatros.

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89,[24] Aero Vodochody[3]

General characteristics

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 750 km/h (470 mph, 400 kn) at 5,000 m (16,000 ft)
  • Never exceed speed: 980 km/h (610 mph, 530 kn) / M0.8
  • Range: 1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi)(internal fuel)
  • Ferry range: 1,750 km (1,090 mi, 940 nmi) (internal and external fuel)
  • Endurance: two hours and 30 minutes (internal fuel), three hours and 50 minutes (internal and external fuel)
  • Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 21 m/s (4,100 ft/min)
  • Time to altitude: 5,000 m (16,000 ft) in 5 minutes
  • Wing loading: 250 kg/m2 (51 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.37
  • Take-off roll: 530 m (1,740 ft)
  • Landing roll: 650 m (2,130 ft)

Armament

  • Up to 2,425 pounds of weapons on four underwing hardpoints, including bombs, 57- or 130-mm rocket pods, gun pods, a five-camera reconnaissance pod, or two fuel drop-tanks. Centerline point carried a pod-mounted 23-mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon with 180 rounds [121]

See also

External videos
video icon In-cockpit footage of an L-39 taking off and performing aerobatics
video icon L-39 performing a solo display at the Wanaka 2012 airshow
video icon Excerpt from 1980s aerodynamics documentary

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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Bibliography

External links