Successful Testing of New L-39NG Trainer Jet’s Enhanced ωeapon Capabilities Announced by Czech Manufacturer Aero Vodochody

Aero Vodochody, the Czech plane maker, announced on Thursday that they have successfully conducted trials of the primary ωeapons of their new L-39NG aircraft.

During a series of tests, engineers and pilots evaluated the use of ωeapons on the L-39NG jet aircraft. They performed missile firings and bomb drops, totaling 230 missiles and nearly 70 bombs, to assess engine effects, emergency load shedding, and accuracy.

These tests are part of a comprehensive assessment of the L-39NG aircraft, which can accommodate both Eastern and Western weapon systems and their corresponding avionics. The evaluation of the eastern armament capabilities took place in Hungary, utilizing the Pápa air base and a missile range near Veszprem.

Petr Jinda, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer at Aero Vodochody, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, “The tests successfully examined the basic ωeapons that the L-39NG can employ. However, we are open to incorporating additional ωeapons based on specific customer requirements. The aircraft is capable of carrying both Eastern and Western armament, as well as corresponding avionics.”

The ωeapons trials were conducted in three phases, starting on February 13. The initial phase focused on assessing the impact of missile firings on engine performance, followed by emergency load drops. The third phase involved bombing and firing missiles for accuracy, all of which met expectations.

During the tests, the team evaluated the firing of S-5 missiles from UB-16 missile blocks and their impact on engine operations. They also performed emergency bomb drops, tested overhead fuel tanks, and evaluated missile blocks. The pilots successfully fired 230 S-5 missiles and dropped 42 P-50-75 and 24 OFAB-100-120 bombs.

To ensure accurate measurement and assessment, the L-39NG aircraft is equipped with a sophisticated recording system that captures approximately 300 flight parameters. Video recordings from a digital video recorder and the pilot’s heads-up display (HUD) were used for evaluation. Additionally, a companion aircraft was employed for filming, while the L-39NG aircraft itself housed five additional cameras capturing the tests from various angles. Two drones equipped with cameras were used to precisely assess the impact of the ωeapons in the target area. All recordings and measurements were meticulously synchronized to evaluate the results, including shot accuracy and load trajectory.