https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news ... h-republic
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is to receive 12 Aero Vodochody L-39 jet trainer aircraft from the Czech Republic.
Czech defence exporter Omnipol announced the sale on 15 February 2021,
noting that the L-39NG version of the L-39 Albatross will be delivered from 2023 through to 2024.
“The contract includes the acquisition of 12 L-39NG aircraft,
plus the training of pilots, instructors, ground crew, and mechanics.
Also included will be the supply of aircraft spare parts,
as well as the supply of equipment for ground-based training, logistics support, or specialised airport systems.
This will give the customer the capability of complete pilot and ground crew training,” Omnipol said.
The L-39NG was first rolled out by Aero in October 2018, with flights trials concluding in early 2020.
The L-39NG features a more powerful Williams International FJ44-4M engine, a wet wing,
a modern cockpit, and a lighter airframe than its predecessor.
In the light strike role it is equipped with five hardpoints (compared with two for the baseline L-39)
for a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles (AAMs), as well as other munitions and sensors.
It also introduces the option for a gunpod.
https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/vi ... 26.article
The Senegal air force is the only other firm customer for the type,
having committed to four examples.
Flight training providers RSW Aviation and SkyTech had earlier committed to 12 and 10 examples respectively,
but negotiations are understood to be ongoing.
The L-39NG has also been pitched to European neighbours Hungary and Slovakia.
Vietnam has been a long-time operator of the L-39NG’s Albatros predecessor, one of the most prolific communist bloc jet trainers.
More than 2,800 L-39s were delivered around the world during the Cold War,
including 31 to Vietnam.
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