Aero's L159B goes through its paces above Le Bourget as the two-seat version of Aero Vodochody's Albatros II makes its debut at the show.
The Czech manufacturer says it is in an advanced stage of negotiations with several potential customers; the aircraft has been flown by pilots from the Polish, Slovak, Hungarian, UAE and Indian air arms.
Mired
Aero has mounted a determined effort to unseat the BAE Systems Hawk from its position as front-runner for the hugely-protracted Indian air force order for a modern advanced trainer. A decision remains mired in the Indian governmental maze, although it is reportedly with the cabinet for a final decision.
Aero is offering the L159B primarily for advanced and operational training, but says it can be deployed for combat missions when equipped with suitable sensors and weapons control systems.
Source: Flight Daily News
