Description
The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer developed in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody. It was designed during the 1960s as a replacement for the Aero L-29 DelfÃn as a principal training aircraft. It was the first trainer aircraft to be equipped with a turbofan powerplant. The type was exported to a wide range of countries as a military trainer.
The L-39 Albatros later served as the basis for the updated L-59 Super Albatros, as well as the L-139 (prototype L-39 with Garrett TFE731 engine). A further development of the design, designated as the L-159 ALCA,
entered production in 1997. To date, more than 2,800 L-39s have served
with over 30 air forces around the world. The Albatros is the most
widely used jet trainer in the world; in addition to performing basic
and advanced pilot training, it has also flown combat missions in a
light-attack role.