Between the flight tests, L-39NG made its first public appearance at NATO Days
22 September 2019 – After undergoing a series of demanding ground tests, first L-39NG full prototype joined again flight test program on September 14th. One week later, L-39NG prototype suspended temporarily its flight test operations in order to visit the NATO Days in Ostrava, where it was first presented to the general public on a static display – with complete configuration, new paint, and armament.
Two years ago, Aero Vodochody has announced target of introducing the L-39NG to the public for the first time at the NATO Days in Ostrava in 2019. Aero has been general partner of this traditional and largest military air show in Czech Republic already third time in a row, and this year celebrates its 100 years anniversary. Achievement of such bold plan placed high demands on the course of development and testing work. “The L-39NG program is running on schedule, which is good news for our customers. We have a very clear program of flight and ground tests and subsequent certification. I am absolutely confident that we will receive the type certification for full trainer configuration in the third quarter of 2020 and the light attack version in the third quarter of 2021,” said President and CEO of Aero Vodochody Dieter John.
NATO Days in Ostrava is a unique opportunity to present the aircraft not only to general public, but also to customers. Dozens of military and government delegations from various countries attend the event this year, including multiple potential customers, both traditional L-39 users and new customers. “Progress of the L-39NG project to the next stage and subsequent acquisition of an internationally respected certification is a key step for our dealing with business partners,” said Jiří Podpěra, president of the OMNIPOL company, the strategic partner of the L-39NG project. “First public appearance of the L-39NG at NATO days is a great opportunity to present the new aircraft to potential customers,” added Jiří Podpěra.
L-39NG Tests Are Continuing
Three aircraft in total support L-39NG flight test program. Technological demonstrator (L-39CW) with the same engine, avionics system, and configuration has started L-39NG flight testing in March 2019. Technological demonstrator was undergoing intensive avionic test, and Stall and Spin investigation. The first full prototype 7001 started pitot static and basic performance testing in September. The aircraft with manufacturing serial number 7004 will join the 7001 in flight testing before end of this year. All three flying test aircraft shall complete full L-39NG flight test campaign in summer 2020. After that, aircraft 7004 will finalize certification flights for Full Trainer configuration type certificate in Q3 2020, and 7001 will advance to reconfiguration to light attack version and shall complete its flight test program end of summer 2021 and receive Light Attack type certification on Q3 2021.
During the second quarter of 2019, flight prototype with production serial number 7001, presented at NATO Days, underwent ground vibration testing conducted together with Czech Aerospace Research Centre. The tests have been carried out also with installed weapons and therefore they are valid also for Light Attack version. At the same time, the ground static strength tests on prototype 7002 are continuing; at the turn of the year, ground fatigue tests will start on prototype with serial number 7003.
The L-39NG will be the only one jet trainer on the market with complete syllabus from basic training to advanced and LIFT training.
| Production Serial Number | Type | Role |
| 7001 | Prototype | flight tests, ground vibration tests, weapon tests |
| 7002 | Prototype | static tests |
| 7003 | Prototype | fatigue tests |
| 7004 | preserial A/C | flight tests |
| 2626 (fuselage number) | technological demonstrator | flight tests, demonstrator of new technologies |
Photo courtesy Aero Vodochody
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