Aero L-39

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance, jet trainer design developed in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. A development of the L-29 Delfin, it was later updated to the L-59, and is still produced in an evolved state as the L-159. More than 2,800 L-39s are in service with over 30 air forces worldwide, filling the roles of basic and advanced pilot training.

The L-39 first flew on November 4, 1968, and was employed as the basic jet trainer for the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and the rest of the Warsaw Pact nations from 1971 onward. The L-59, a minor update to the design, remained in production until 1999.

While newer versions are now replacing older L-39s in service, thousands remain in active service as trainers, and many are finding new homes with private owners in America. Their $200,000-$300,000 price puts them in range of moderately wealthy pilots looking for a fast, agile jet, and their popularity has led to a purely L-39 'Jet Unlimited' class at the Reno Air Races.

Although the many variants produced were mostly trainers, a ground-attack version for close-support - the L-39ZO - was also delivered.

General characteristics

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