Description
The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer designed and produced in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody.
It 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.
The L-39 Albatros was designed during the 1960s. Performing its maiden flight on 4 November 1968, it became the first trainer aircraft in the world to be equipped with a turbofan power plant. Quantity production of the L-39 Albatros proceeded in 1971;
one year later, it was formally recognized by the majority of the Warsaw Pact
countries as their preferred primary trainer. Accordingly, thousands of
L39s would be produced for various military customers in Eastern
Europe. Additionally, it was exported to a range of countries across the
world both as a trainer and a light attack aircraft. Since the 1990s,
it has also become popular among civilian operators. By the end of the
century, in excess of 2,800 L-39s had served with over 30 air forces.