Aero L-39NG Skyfox
Aero Vodochody · Czech Republic · first flew 2018 · light aircraft
The Aero L-39NG, named Skyfox in October 2024, is a turbofan-powered military trainer and light combat aircraft built by Aero Vodochody as the successor to the L-39 Albatros.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.83 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- New-build wet wing with internal fuel, so none of the distinctive wingtip tanks of the original L-39
- Williams FJ44-4M turbofan in place of the Ivchenko AI-25
- Five wing hardpoints and a glass cockpit with a two-seat layout
It resembles an L-39 Albatros, but the new-build version has no wingtip fuel tanks and is slightly shorter and smaller in span.
Specifications
- The Aero L-39NG Skyfox has a length of 11.83 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.37 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 900 km/h (559 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The L-39NG programme was launched in July 2014. The L-39CW technology demonstrator flew on 14 September 2015, and the first L-39NG prototype flew on 22 December 2018.
Variants
Stage 1 is an upgrade of existing Albatros airframes with the FJ44-4M engine, keeping the dry wing and tip tanks. Stage 2 is the new-build aircraft, and a reconnaissance version is being developed for Hungary.
Where you'll see it
The Czech defence ministry certified the type in September 2020, and the first Skyfox reached Flight Training Center Pardubice in January 2025. Vietnam and Hungary are major customers.
Related aircraft
- L-159 ALCA
- L-39 Albatros
- L-39C Albatros
- Aero L-29 Delfin
- Airbus A³ Vahana
- Embraer Praetor
- Volocopter 2X
- AeroVolga LA-8 Borey
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