Developed during the Cold War period, the Aero L-39 Albatros out of the former Czechoslovakia emerged to become one of the most successful Advanced Jet Trainers in the world. With the inherent capability to carry armament, and nearly 3,000 units produced from 1971 until 1996 for global consumption, the series went on to stock the air services of high-level and low-level defense powers including the Soviet Union, Egypt, North Korea, and Syria. More modern forms of this same aircraft include the L-39 "Super Albatros" and the L-159 ALCA. Despite its Cold War roots, the L-39 continues to fly in number today.
(Showcased performance statistics pertain to the L-39C production model)
Length 39.86 feet (12.15 meters)
Width 31.00 feet (9.45 meters)
Height 15.58 feet (4.75 meters)
(Showcased measurements pertain to the L-39C production model)
Empty 7,617 lb (3,455 kg)
M.T.O.W. 10,362 lb (4,700 kg)
(Showcased weights pertain to the L-39C production model)
2 x Underwing hardpoints supporting up to 626lb of air-dropped ordnance (conventional drop bombs). Gun pack can also be fitted under the forward fuselage for strafing attacks. Supported Types:
Automatic Cannon(s)
Air-to-Air Missiles
Conventional Drop Bombs
Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel
L-39 "Albatros" - Base Series Designation.
L-39X-01 / X-07 - Prototype examples; five units.
L-39C - Twin-seat trainer form; 2,260 examples completed.
L-39CM - Modernized twin-seat trainer form.
L-39M1 - Upgraded L-39C for Ukrainian Air Force; model of 2009.
L-39V - Single-seat target tug form; nine examples completed.
L-39ZO - Export weapons trainer variant.
L-39ZA - Upgraded L-39ZO; reinforced undercarriage; increased ordnance-carrying to 2,845lb; 23mm GSh-23L gun pod capability under forward fuselage; Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) capable.
L-39ZAM - Upgraded Slovakian L-39ZA variant.
L-39ZA/ART - Thai export variant with Israeli Elbit avionics set; 40 examples completed.
L-39MS (L-59) - Advanced trainer form of 1986 with reinforced fuselage and lengthened nose assembly; modernized cockpit and avionics; higher-rated Lotarev DV-2 engine; becoming the L-59 production model.
L-39NG ("Next Generation") - Advanced L-39 form of 2018; upgraded with Williams FJ44 turbofan engine; improvements throughout.
L-139 "Albatros 2000" - Proposed single prototype example for export market; completed with Western avionics fit and Garrett TFE731-4-1T engine.
L-159 - Modernized L-39 with Western avionics set and Honeywell / ITEC F124 turbofan engine.
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Automatic Cannon(s)
Air-to-Air Missiles
Conventional Drop Bombs
Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel