AERO and RSW Aviation cooperate on L-39NG/CW Program

AERO Vodochody, a Czech manufacturer of light jets, and RSW Aviation, a military training provider in the United States, signed today a Letter of Intent for delivery of 12 L-39NG training aircraft and upgrade six legacy L-39 into the L-39CW variant to allow rapid introduction of the L-39CW/NG into service with RSW.

The companies say the combination of the modern L-39NG and RSW’s “customer needs´ approach, brings to the market an unparalleled opportunity for the training of modern air forces.” The L-39NG/CW fleet will be made available by RSW for a number of customers in its U.S.-based training academy to provide training from the ab initio stage up to the operational clearance level. The L-39NG is being certified using the European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMARs) that will ensure a true compatibility and interoperability within EU and NATO operators and avoid any additional certification and cross-border processes. The L-39NG fleet includes a set of simulators and debriefing devices for training.

AERO says this agreement is a key element of its strategy to cooperate with other selected partners to offer jet training to any Air Force in the world who want the latest platforms but face cost restraints. Aero and RSW agreed on implementation of RSW’s and its affiliate companies’ skills in terms of military systems integration into the L-39NG/CW fleet. For overseas customers RSW will be authorized to perform operational support of their L-39NG fleets.

The combination L-39CW Aircraft is a mix of existing L-39C aircraft with a new FJ44-4M Williams International Engine and Genesys Aerosystems Avionics. The L-39CW provides an immediate solution for current operators to upgrade existing platforms until L-39NG Aircraft are delivered. The L-39NG aircraft, produced with Czech partner Omnipol, is a new jet training aircraft with light-attack capabilities designed as a unified, comprehensive training system for modern air forces. The L-39NG is based on the aerodynamic concept of the current L-39, but uses new technologies and equipment. Power is provided by the modern FJ44-4M engine supplied with the TAP Blue engine support service to ensure unprecedented airworthiness and predictable maintenance costs. The aircraft's avionics are designed to train future pilots of fourth and fifth generation aircraft and can be tailored to the customer's requirements. The L-39NG is equipped with five hard-points for weapons.