Upgraded L-39NG Jet has Thrice the Lifespan than the L-39 Albatross

The new L-39NG jet would have three times longer lifespan the original L-39 Albatross, recent fatigue tests conducted by Aero Vodochody show.

The aircraft successfully passed difficult fatigue tests of five lifespans simulation. All together, it included five times 5,000 flight hours in a high designed load spectrum. The fatigue tests are running on the third prototype 7003 in the Czech Aviation Research Centre (VZLÚ).

The testing prototype has shown that the L-39NG should have three times longer lifespan than the original L-39 Albatross, the company said in a statement Thursday.

After five proven life cycles of the L-39NG aircraft, the complete non-destructive inspection of the aircraft airframe has started, than the fatigue test will continue. A sixth lifespan simulation is planned for early 2022, followed by a residual strength test with up to 120% of the limit load. After that, additional fatigue cycles of the landing gears will follow. The landing gear is designed to be extremely resistant. Finally, Aero Vodochody and VZLÚ will cooperate with the Czech Technical University in Prague on airframe analysis.

The L-39NG aircraft is a light jet capable to serve in a role of light attack and/or unified, comprehensive training system for modern air forces. It is based on the aerodynamic concept of the current L-39 with optimized features to reduce resistance and increase efficiency and utilizes 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.