Aero L-59 Super Albatros

AERO Vodochody Aerospace · Czechoslovakia · first flew 1986 · fighter

The Aero L-59 Super Albatros is a Czech advanced jet trainer developed as a modernised export variant of the L-39 Albatros, featuring a more powerful DV-2 turbofan engine and updated avionics. It retains the L-39's characteristic straight wing and T-tail layout.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	12.2 m fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

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Upgraded L-39 Albatros with more powerful turbofan and improved avionics
Straight low-wing jet trainer with T-tail and single engine
Side-by-side tandem cockpits under a long continuous canopy

Virtually identical in outline to the L-39 Albatros and distinguishable mainly by the more powerful engine exhaust and slightly revised intake. The T-tail, straight low wing, and long tandem canopy are the hallmarks of the family.

Specifications

The Aero L-59 Super Albatros has a length of 12.2 m (40 ft).
It has a wingspan of 9.54 m (31 ft).
Its maximum speed is 865 km/h (537 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Development of the L-59 began in the early 1980s in response to export demand for a more capable version of the highly successful L-39. The prototype first flew in 1986 and the type entered service with Tunisia and Egypt, the primary export customers.

Variants

The L-159 ALCA is a single-seat light combat aircraft derived from the same family but substantially redesigned; the L-39NG is a later re-engined variant of the original L-39 rather than a direct L-59 derivative.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Tunisian Air Force and Egyptian Air Force as an advanced trainer and light attack platform.

Related aircraft

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