Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH
Czech jet trainer manufacturer Aero Vodochody has flown the first single-seat L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft, which is earmarked to become the mainstay of the Czech air force's combat fleet.
The aircraft is the second L-159 prototype, but the first in Czech air force configuration, with a full Boeing-supplied avionics suite. The first prototype - a two-seat L-159T trainer - has been used as a testbed for the AlliedSignal/ ITEC F124-100 turbofan engine, as well as for exploring the flight envelope following its maiden flight in August 1997.
The second prototype, flown by Aero Vodochody test pilots, completed two flights of about 30min each on 18 August. According to the Czech manufacturer, the aircraft performed successfully on both occasions.
More flights are to take place this month, with the "official" first flight - in the presence of the defence minister and the air force commander-in-chief - scheduled for 21 August. The aircraft is due to be presented publicly at the Czech International Air Fest at Hradec Kralove on 29-30 August.
Industry sources close to the programme say that recent talks held by Aero and Boeing with the US Government now mean that weapons tests with the first prototype will be conducted in the USA rather than in France, as originally planned.
Permission has been granted to carry out launches of Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, as well as testing the aircraft's Czech-built GPU-2 20mm cannon and Bristol Aerospace CRV-7 rockets, at Elgin AFB in Florida. The tests are expected to take place early in the fourth quarter of this year.
The Czech air force has ordered 72 L-159s, worth about $1 billion, with deliveries due to begin in 1999. The aircraft will eventually make up about three-quarters of the combat strength of the Czech air force, fulfilling close air support, reconnaissance, air defence and border patrol role.
Source: Flight International
