Maiden Flight of First Series-Produced L-39NG Aircraft Built for Southeast Asian Nation

Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody has flown the first series-produced L-39NG aircraft.

The first production L-39NG trainer is destined for a customer in Southeast Asia. Other customers include Hungary and the Czech Republic. Aero currently has orders for 34 units of the L-39NG.

During the flight, the pilots tested the functions of the trainer aircraft within the scope of the standard factory sortie program. The flight tested the behavior of the L-39NG within its normal operating envelope.

The first production flight of the L-39NG lasted approximately 40 minutes. The pilots verified the functions of the engine, aircraft systems, and avionics, as well as the handling and behavior of the aircraft in all phases of flight from take-off through aerobatics to landing. Testing was carried out in the range of altitudes from 0 to 8 500 meters and speeds from stall to maximum (Mach number 0.8 or 900 km/h).

Aero recently commissioned a new production line dedicated solely to the L-39NG aircraft. Within two years, the traditional Czech aircraft manufacturer plans to increase its L-39NG production to 24 units per year.