Aero Vodochody
L-39 Albatros
(Variants/Other Names: See History
below)
1977 L-39ZO formerly owned by Jim Kaney of Rockford, Illinois, USA.
(Photo by Ray Pittman)
History: The Czechoslovakian L-39 was built as the successor to their earlier
trainer, the L-29 Delfin. Design work began in 1966, and the first
prototype made its initial flight on 4 November 1968. The idea of the design was to marry
an efficient, powerful turbofan engine to a sleek, streamlined fuselage, resulting in a
strong, economical performer which would become the next standard jet trainer for the
Warsaw Pact. Full-scale production was delayed until late 1972 due to apparent problems
with the design of the air intakes, but these difficulties were overcome and the type went
on to be a great success with the Soviet, Czech and East German air forces, among others.
Three main variants were produced. The L-39C
was built as a pure trainer and was used by numerous air forces throughout Eastern Europe
beginning in 1974 and continuing through today. The armed weapons-trainer variant is
called the L-39ZA, and a close-support and ground-attack version is called the L-39ZO. In addition to those mentioned above, the L-39 has been exported to numerous
countries, including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Iraq, Libya, Estonia, and
Kyrghyzstan. A modernized derivative of the Albatros, the L-59, is still being built in
the Czech Republic. Another modernized, but very different version, the
L-39MS, actually has much more in common with the L-59 than the L-39,
despite its designation. Another variant, the L-139 Albatros 2000,
was built with a U.S.-built Garrett TFE731 turbofan engine. One L-139 was
built, and is privately operated in the USA.
As of this writing, the L-39 is the most popular jet warbird in the
world, with over 300 believed to be actively flying in the USA alone.
Nicknames: "L-ka" (Russian nickname)
Specifications:
Engine: One 3,792-lb thrust Ivchenko-Progress
AI-25-TL (also built under Czech license by Motorlet).
Weight: Empty 7,340 lbs., Max Takeoff 11,618 lbs.
(L-39ZO with four rocket pods)
Wing Span: 31ft. 0.5in.
Length: 40ft. 5in.
Height: 15ft. 5.5in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed at
19,600 ft: 485 mph (Trainer version, clean)
Maximum Speed at Sea
Level: 435 mph
Ceiling: 37,730 ft.
(Trainer, clean)
Range: 528 miles with
internal fuel; 995 miles with external tanks.
Armament (L-39ZO): Up to 2,425 pounds of weapons on four
underwing hardpoints, including bombs, 57- or 130-mm rocket pods, gun pods, a five-camera
reconnaissance pod, or two fuel drop-tanks. Centerline point carried a pod-mounted 23-mm
twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon with 180 rounds.
Number Built: 2800+
Number Still Airworthy: Unknown number in military service. At least
300 flying in private
ownership.
Links:
Aero-Concept -- L-39 and Yak
dealer.
Aero-Contact -- L-39 acquisition, sales, service
and support in Germany.
Aero Vodochody Home Page
Air USA -- L-39 dealer in Quincy,
Illinois, USA.
All Red Star --
Information for operators of Eastern-bloc aircraft.
Allen Smith -- L-39 airshows.
Black Diamond
Jet Team -- 5-ship L-39 airshow demo team.
Code 1 Aviation
-- L-39 and warbird maintenance, restoration, sales, training, and more.
Custom Painted L-39 Scale Models
Eastern Bloc Aircraft Services
-- California-based L-39 instruction and services.
Firecat -- L-39 airshow act.
The Hoppers --
L-39 formation team. Provides airshow performances and motivational
interactions with kids.
International
Jets -- L-39 restoration, sales and maintenance.
L-39 Camouflage and Markings Page
(Russian Aviation Research Site)
L-39 Enthusiasts Page (L39.com)
L-39 Fractionals -- L-39 fractional ownership
opportunities.
L-39 Page (In Czechoslovakian)
L-39 Wings
(In Italian)
Patriots Jet Demonstration
Team -- Four-ship L-39 airshow act.
Racing Jets
-- The website for the jet class of racers which compete at the National
Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.
Red Star
Pilots Association -- Owner/operator group representing L-39s, among
other aircraft.
Red Steel Jet Team
-- Airshow team comprised of L-39s and a MiG-23.
Top Gun Flights --
L-39 flights available in Sydney, Australia.
Worldwide Warbirds -- L-39 sales in
Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Zvezda -- Russian ejection seat
manufacturer.
[
L-39 Pilot Report ]
[
L-39 Photos ]
Cockpit Photos:
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|
(Click for larger) |
(Click for larger) |
Safety Alert For Operators:
Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros
SAFO 13003, dated 18 January 2013. Possibility of Canopy Separation. [PDF
document]
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Doublestar Group, unless otherwise noted.
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