L39
Aero vodochody has produced several variants of the basic L39C the simplest version of second-generation jet trainer and the L39ZA training and light-attack aircraft.
Both the L39C and L39Z are powered by AI-25TL twin-shaft turbofan engines. The L39V is a single-seat target tug. the L39ZO is similar to the L39ZA, but lacks the gun pod.
The L-139 trainer/light-attack aircraft is powered by the Garret TFE 731-4-1T turbofan. It was designed, unsuccessfully, to meet JPATS training requirements. The aircraft is fitted with US avionics and a HUD. The aircraft, along with the L59T, was evaluated by South Africa in 1995.
Aero L-59 and L-159
These aircraft are developed versions of the L-39 jet trainer. The first L-59 prototype was flown in September 1986, and the first production example in October 1989. The L-59E was flown in April 1992, with deliveries taking place between January 1993 and the end of 1994. The L-159 is a single-seat, ground-attack version of the L-59, and is powered by the 28kN AlliedSignal F-124 turbofan in place of the L-59's Progress DV-2. It is being developed for the Czech air force. A two-seat version, the L-159T is also being proposed as an advanced jet trainer derivative of the aircraft.
Customers: former Czechoslovakia (L39MS) 5, Egypt (L-59E) 48, Tunisia (L-59E) 12.
Source: Flight International
