TSAMTO, May 6. Czech company Aero Vodochody Aerospace a.s. during the ADAS Defense and Security exhibition (April 27-29, Manila) presented its new L-39NG jet training aircraft to the Philippine Air Force.
According to a press release from the Czech company, the aircraft "fits perfectly into the training concept of the Philippine Air Force, which is currently undergoing a large-scale modernization."
With the support of the Czech Ministry of Defense and the Czech Embassy in Manila, several important business meetings of Aero Vodochody's management with Filipino representatives, including with the Minister of National Defense of the Philippines Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermognes K., took place within the framework of the exhibition.Esperon, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Arthur P. Tugade and Commander of the Air Force Major General Connor A. Kanlas.
According to Victor Soton, Chief Managing Director and president of Aero Vodochody, the Philippine Air Force is currently looking for a replacement for the outdated S-211 jet TCB, which are mainly used for training fighter pilots. The L-39NG concept offers the Philippine Air Force several advantages. Among its greatest strengths is a comprehensive training system, which includes the L–39NG aircraft, training of pilots and ground personnel, aviation simulators, advanced maintenance concept, weapons systems.
As previously reported by TSAMTO, the leadership of the Philippines in 2018 considered the possibility of acquiring 12 additional FA-50PH combat training aircraft from the South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). However, the project was never implemented.
Aero Vodochody positions the L-39NG as a replacement for the world-wide L-39 "Albatross". The company opened the L-39NG assembly line in January 2018.
The UBS L-39NG is designed for pilot training based on the previously produced UBS L-39 with the use of new technologies and equipment. It is equipped with a modern FJ44-4M engine from Williams International. The avionics of the aircraft is adapted for training pilots of 4th and 5th generation aircraft. When used as a UBS, the L-39NG can be equipped with five weapon suspension points and carry up to 1200 kg of weapons, including the AIM-9L Sidewinder UR.
