L-39NG presented at NATO Days event

Aero Vodochody’s first L-39NG prototype has been presented to the public for the first time in its complete configuration with armament at the NATO Days event in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The prototype is currently undergoing flight testing along with two other aircraft. To date avionic test, and stall and spin investigations have been carried out, along with pitot static and basic performance testing.

All three flying test aircraft are set to complete the full flight test campaign in summer 2020. This will be followed by certification flights for Full Trainer configuration type certificate in late 2020. One aircraft will then be reconfigured to the light attack version and will complete its flight test programme and receive Light Attack type certification on late 2021.

President and CEO of Aero Vodochody, Dieter John, said: ‘The L-39NG programme is running on schedule, which is good news for our customers. We have a very clear programme 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.’