Backlog Now Totals 38 Aircraft by 2022
The airframe of the first L-39NG jet trainer is now 70% complete at Aero Vodochody and has entered its next stage, heading for an October 2018 roll-out.
“By reaching this milestone, the L-39NG is getting its final shape, and very soon, we will be able to show the new jet trainer aircraft. The L-39NG is a new start for Aero Vodochody, returning us back to the world class of proprietary aircraft manufacturers,” commented the company’s President and CEO, Giuseppe Giordo.
Only 10% of the 3,365 components of the fuselage are taken from the aircraft predecessor, the L-39 ALBATROS, the rest being brand new. Following final assembly of the fuselage, the integration with the wings – the marry-up – is scheduled for September, along with integration of key systems.
The swift progress being made by Aero Vodochody sensa strong messages to the market regarding both the aircraft’s capabilities and the project’s overall maturity, the company claims. Two agreements announced at Farnborough in July for a total of 34 aircraft bring the L-39NG/L-39CW backlog to 38 aircraft to be manufactured by 2022.