"Albatross" (L-39) is a dream plane

"Aero L-39" is a Czech-made aircraft designed to train pilots. It can also be used as a maneuverable short-range fighter. There are civilian versions of the aircraft, beloved pilots for their convenience, ease of control, speed, maneuverability and reliability.

Description

Aero L-39 Albatros (diminutive name - "Elli") was produced serially by the Czech airline Aero Vodochody. From 1968 to 1999, 2,868 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 are still in service (Russia is among them).

L-39 Albatros is a single-engine twin-trainer training aircraft. It is often used for the initial training of pilots and the upgrading of experienced pilots. The possibilities for use as fighters are limited by flight characteristics (small size, insufficient armament). However, the model is quite effective in combating reconnaissance drones, drones, helicopters.

History

L-39 is a plane with a rich history. The first flight of the Albatross took place in 1968, and since then Aero has supplied more than 2,900 units of several versions of this successful model. L-39 still serves in the Air Force of many countries, and is also popular with private pilots, especially in the US.

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 appreciated the simplicity, speed, maneuverability and availability of the L-39 model.

The aircraft is the successor of the first Czechoslovak jet aircraft L-29 Delfín. The Czech authorities are considering the issue of resuming production of an extremely successful "baby" in different executions.

Chronology of creation

For 30 years, Aero Vodochody has developed and produced several modifications:

• 1964 - the beginning of designing "Albatross" as a training jet plane.
• 1968 - the first flight.
• 1971 - the beginning of a series production L-39C.
• 1972 - the first flight of the L-39V - version intended for target towing.
• 1974 - Aero became part of the Czechoslovak Air Force.
• 1975 - the first flight L-39ZO with four underwing suspension nodes.
• 1977 - the first flight of the L-39ZA with four underwing and under-fuselage suspension units for aircraft guns.
• 1996 - the end of the production of L-39 Albatros.

Even after the serial production ceased, Aero did not hide the drawings of the L-39 aircraft in the remote box, but continues to improve the model. The firm provides a wide range of services for its operators, including longer life, overhaul and modernization of aircraft. Among the customers - the army of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Algeria, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries.

Appointment

L-39 Albatros is an ordinary single-engine jet training and training aircraft for two places, which is intended for advanced training and initial training, as well as for additional combat training against enemy air and non-flying targets. Fly on it is possible and as an ordinary light combat aircraft.

This model is often an alternative to artificial flight simulators. On it are worked out the options for combat, but unlike the computer version, the crew learns techniques and works out techniques live, in natural conditions. Easy to operate, light and yet functional and thoughtful - such is the L-39.

Characteristics

This unit has a number of advantages over other models. For example, it is distinguished by a rather solid engine of the 1xAI 25TL series. In addition to everything - a "dry" thrust of 3307 lb-force (14.7 kN). The cabin is designed for a crew of two people, but everything is distributed very rationally, compactly and conveniently.

The length of the aircraft is 13 meters, its wings in the span of 9.44 meters, the area of each of the wings is 18.8 square meters. M, height - 4.7 m. The weight of the empty aircraft is 3400 kg, while in the loaded form 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 in a good sense distinguish the L-39 model. The aircraft has a range of Ferry (with PTB) 1000 km, its practical ceiling is 11,500 meters.

Application in civil aviation

L-39 is an important part of the state civil program. The Czech Ministry of Defense focuses its attention on supporting civilian operators flying the Albotros. A specially created program of support and modernization includes its specific training and flight application of this aircraft, which is very popular in dozens of countries around the world.

Aero is an excellent subsonic training jet plane. Despite the fact that it was developed in the 1960s, and today it remains in demand in civil aviation. Until now, the L-39 is considered the favorite model for recreation and sports flights. The photos eloquently testify to how well the device is designed in terms of design, but one should not forget about its excellent flight characteristics, the high level of safety and low requirements for maintenance and operation. All this made the L-39 the most popular civilian model.

More than 300 Albotros units carry the state service all over the world. Simple operation and unrivaled flight characteristics make it possible for many aerobatic teams, including the French Breitling Jet Team, a team of pilots from the Russian Vyazma, the Patriots Jet Team from the United States, the military aerobatic team of Belarus and, more recently, Maisus Jet Team Czech, to successfully use the Aero aircraft Albatros.