Aero Vodochody has contracted AlliedSignal to produce an improved digital engine-control system for Egypt's Progress DV-2 turbofan-powered L-59 trainer/light-strike aircraft.
The Egyptian air force's fleet of 48 tandem-seat L-59s has been suffering reliability problems. In an effort to improve operational availability, the Czech manufacturer wants to replace the aircraft's existing combined electronic/hydro-mechanical engine-supervisory system.
In response, AlliedSignal's Tuscon Aerospace Equipment division is developing a replacement fully electronic control system. This will, however, lack the start capability of the full-authority digital engine-control (FADEC) electronic system now fitted to the AlliedSignal TFE731.
It is planned initially to retrofit the new system to Egypt's aircraft and possibly, in the longer term, the 12 L-59s in Tunisian service.
In a separate move, the Czech manufacturer of the DV-2 engine has contracted Snecma subsidiary Elecema to develop a FADEC system for the Yakovlev Yak-130 trainer.
Aero Vodochody, in the meantime, intends to fly a second L-159 prototype aircraft in early 1998. The Czech air force is planning to take delivery of the first of 72 Allied Signal/ITEC F124-100-powered light strike aircraft in 1999.
The company has begun to market the single-seat L-159 to neighbouring Hungary, Poland and Slovenia.
Source: Flight International
