Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatross

The Basics:     The Czechoslovakian L-39 was built as the successor to their earlier trainer, the L-29 Delfin. The L-39 made its initial flight on 4 November 1968. The idea of the design was to be the next standard jet trainer for the Warsaw Pact.

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.

As of this writing, the L-39 is the most popular jet warbird in the world, with over 320 flying in the USA alone.

Nicknames:     "L-ka" (Russian nickname)

 

Specifications:
     Engine: One 3,792-lb thrust Ivchenko AI-25-TL
     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.


 Number Built:     2800+

 

Number Still Airworthy:     At least 220 flying in private ownership.

 

Key Benefits

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