We are about to conclude several contracts for new aircraft, says the head of Aero Vodochody
The first buyer of L39 Next Generation jets with which he wants Aero Vodochody build on its previous export successes in Asia, Africa or South America, probably from the Czech Republic. According to the head of the Vodochody factory, Giuseppe Giorda, they are completing three contracts. These include very detailed negotiations with the state-owned company LOM Prague. The other two serious applicants come from Central Europe.
“LOM plans to replace the original albatrosses with new L39NGs. Deliveries are planned for the years 2020 to 2021. The company assures us that it is interested in cooperation and that it wants to conclude a contract, “Giordo said in an interview with the E15 daily. The state-owned company under the Ministry of Defense intends to purchase four to eight aircraft for the international training center in Pardubice, which will be gradually expanded. “The number of machines depends on how many foreign air forces order training. I hope that in the future LOM could be interested in more machines, “added Giordo.
It is the training of pilots to establish a company focused on helicopter repairs. The year before, his profit rose by 130 percent. In the Pardubice center, once intended for the Czech army, for example, Afghan pilots have been training for American money for several years. Thai Gripen pilots or Nigerian pilots of Russian Mi series helicopters are also trained there. “It’s 100% good business. That is why we want to invest both in the center itself and in the accommodation premises, so that the most demanding clients can travel, “said Tomáš Kuchta, Deputy Minister of Defense.
Compared to the previous L39 Albatros, the NG version has several major new improvements. In addition to the new FJ44-4M power unit from the American company Williams International, it is also modern Western avionics and a safer cockpit in a version called a glass cockpit. Overall, the NGs are lighter, so they reach a longer range. In addition, NGs have a lower consumption than albatrosses. “But the new engine has the same thrust, so the operation of the aircraft is significantly more economical,” said Aero test pilot David Jahoda.
Pakistan’s interest in L159 fighters increased significantly after the Iraqi army successfully deployed them in the battles for Mosul and other cities. However, in a country that plans to buy more than 60 aircraft, Aero Vodochody is competing with the Italian manufacturer Leonardo. “We have the best responses because we offer advanced aircraft with low operating costs. In addition, the L159 is the only platform of its kind to be used in military operations, “said Aero chief Giussepe Giordo. An opportunity is also looming for L39 NG in Azerbaijan. Aero years ago, Aero signed a contract for the modernization of 24 older L39 Albatros, which has not yet taken place due to the client’s financial problems. “We are now negotiating with the Azerbaijanis and offering them L39NG,” Giordo added. |
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