Aero Vodochody flew the first two-seat L-159B on 1 June. Although the proof-of-concept L-159 flown in August 1997 was a two-seater, Aero has concentrated on the single-seat L-159A light attack aircraft, now in Czech air force service.
The L-159Bflew for around 1h and reached an altitude of 36,000ft (11,000m) during the flight. Aero says it will concentrate on evaluating systems that differ from the single-seater and adds that the test programme will ensure the aircraft is ready for its public debut at the Farnborough air show in July.
Aero says that it is still waiting for the Czech air force to order the two-seater, although a contract is expected in the next few months. The air force's order for 72 L-159s has always been expected to include a number of the two-seat version.
Source: Flight International
