Aero Vodochody Aerospace and its strategic partner Omnipol announced that the L-39NG aircraft has received its type certificate. Based on the positive results of ground and flight tests, the certification was issued by the Military Aviation Authority of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.

The new aircraft, which continues in the tradition of the legendary L-39 Albatros training aircraft, received its type certification less than two years after roll out of the first prototype.

The type certificate means that the aircraft is now eligible to operate in international air space and meets all safety requirements. It is also an important prerequisite for deliveries to customers. The L-39NG is one of the first military aircraft which has been certified to the new supranational military standards (EMAR 21 and EMACC), which means that its certification is recognised by all EU and NATO military authorities. The certification of the aircraft proceeded according to plan. As part of the tests, Aero performed about 300 test flights on two flying prototypes, and extensive ground tests on two static prototypes.

It is the completion of 13 years with Penta as the single shareholder of Aero Vodochody. "This is a turning point, an extraordinary success for Aero employees, which proves that bringing production of a new Czech designed and developed military aircraft back to Aero was the right decision. The current investment in the project has exceeded CZK 2 billion, and it represents the basis for a good future of the company," said Marek Dospiva, co-owner of Penta Investments.

"This is great news for the L-39NG and for the entire Czech aviation industry. Receiving a type certificate is an important step in the development of the aircraft and at the same time, it is an important message for our customers. I would like to thank all those who contributed to this exceptional success," added Jiri Podpera, President of Omnipol, which is the strategic partner in this new aircraft project.

"This milestone is our important news for the traditional NATO Days in Ostrava, as we promised it last year. The L-39NG is a completely new aircraft excelling all current and future requirements for modern training of pilots coupled with very competitive cost of ownership. We believe that the certification will significantly contribute to future orders, which we will be able to announce soon. My sincere thanks to all employees, suppliers and partners for their professional efforts and excellent collaboration," said Dieter John, President and CEO of Aero Vodochody.

The development of the aircraft does not end with obtaining a type certificate. Further improvements and expansion of capabilities according to customer requirements will be gradually added to the certification process.

The brand new L-39NG jet aircraft is a joint project of Aero Vodochody, its shareholder Penta Investments, and the OMNIPOL group, which is the strategic partner and equal co-owner of the L-39NG project. Based on an Agreement signed in June 2020, Penta Investments will hand over Aero Vodochody to its new owners, represented by OMNIPOL with 49% and Hungarian businessman Andras Tombor with 51%.

The L-39NG aircraft will once again be present at NATO Days. This time, both flight prototypes will appear – one on a static display in the VIP zone, the other at the beginning of Saturday's flight demonstration.

L-39NG

The L-39NG aircraft is a modern and effective light jet capable to serve in a role of light attack and/or unified, comprehensive training system for modern air forces. The L-39NG is based on the aerodynamic concept of the current L-39 with optimized features to reduce resistance and increase efficiency and utilises the latest technologies and equipment. Power is provided by the modern FJ44-4M engine supplied with the TAP Blue engine support service to ensure unprecedented airworthiness and predictable maintenance costs. The aircraft's avionics are prepared to train future pilots of 4th and 5th generation aircraft and can be tailored to the customer's requirements. The L-39NG is equipped with five hard-points for weapons. The aircraft also features a broad range of simulation technologies, including the integration into high-tech tactical simulation centres with the goal to increase training efficiency. Strategic partner of the L-39NG project is the Czech company Omnipol by having 50% of share and financial contribution in the project.