Tim Ripley
Hoping to capitalise on the success in the Middle East of its L39 and L59 aircraft, the Czech Republic's Aero Vodochody has brought a mock-up of its new L159 light multi-role combat aircraft and trainer to Dubai '97.
It's a first for the company, which previously had only models to display, says marketing manager Martin Paloda.
"We flew our first prototype on 2 August and we are negotiating with several customers, not only in this region."
The aircraft has several unusual features, says Paloda. "It is designed as a multi-role combat aircraft so customers could use it in air-to-ground, reconnaissance or air-to-air roles.
"On the other hand they have a lead-in trainer for modern super-sonic fighters on account of the advanced systems in the aircraft, such as the multi-function displays."
Combat
"Because the aircraft is designed for combat it is well protected against battle damage, with two radios, two databases, two computers and composite and ceramic armour to protect the pilot," he says.
"It also has an advanced radar warning receiver from GEC Marconi, chaff and flare dispensers."
The aircraft is designed to be virtually independent of ground support during combat missions, generating oxygen and nitrogen onboard.
It has an auxiliary power unit to start the engine and can operate from unprepared strips.
"We think cost is also an advantage because of our design approach" he says.
"We have only modified the air frames of our previous models when necessary to reduce development costs and concentrated our efforts on installing new state-of-the-art systems off the shelf. It is in fact a very different aircraft, although it is similar in appearance to our other products."
The company is launching the L159 internationally on the back of a 72-aircraft order from the Czech air force, which is to adopt it as its main combat aircraft from 1999.
Source: Flight Daily News
