Ukraine War: U.S.-made Engines to Replace Ukrainian Ones in Angola’s L-39 Aircraft

Aero Vodochody will modernize and overhaul four L-39 aircraft operated by Angola, which includes equipping them with new U.S.-made engines.

At a time of continued uncertainty in the supply and support of the original AI-25TL engine from the Ukrainian company Motor-Sich, remotorisation represents a quality and risk-free route for L-39 users, the company said in a recent press release. 

This is the first contracted upgrade of the L-39C with the new American engine, which is also used in Aero's new L-39NG aircraft.

In addition to the remotorization, the avionics equipment will be upgraded and the airframes will be overhauled. The modernization is expected to start in the second half of this year.

"We will be integrating for the first time a new engine from Williams into the previous generation L-39 aircraft, which is part of the delivery of the new L-39NG. Thus, we are coming to market with a new product that is close to the developed standards of the new L-39NG aircraft…. The upgraded aircraft, designated L-39CW, will be used primarily for pilot training in Angola," says Filip Kulštrunk, Aero's Executive Vice President and CCO.

Angola is Aero's new customer for the upgrade and overhaul of four L-39C aircraft. The scope of the contract includes airframe overhaul, avionics upgrades and, in particular, remotorization consisting of the replacement of the original engines with new FJ44-4M engines from Williams International, which are used in the new Aero L-39NG aircraft.

The modernization is expected to start in the second half of this year with the first aircraft expected to be completed in 2025.

The contract also includes services that include training of ground and flight personnel, supply of spare parts, ground equipment, flight gear and more. The aircraft will be transported in containers and handed back upon completion in the same manner.