AERO and IAI offer a family of aircraft to meet the USAF OA-X program
NATO member Czech Republic’s largest aircraft manufacturer with an unparalleled history of supplying thousands of military light jets around the world, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s., and world leader in defence systems technologies, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., today announce their interest in participating in the United States Air Force OA-X light attack program.
AERO’s family of light jet aircraft, which include the L-159 and the L-39NG offer the USAF a range of capabilities unmatched by any other light jet manufacturer today. Both aircraft meet or exceed the USAF OA-X requirements for mission performance and system attributes. The L-159 is a proven robust platform, which has been successfully tested and operated in NATO joint operations, USAF Red Air exercises and real combat missions with coalition partners. The proven L-159 platform is enhanced with the integration of IAI’s innovative and cutting-edge open architecture technologies. The L-39NG, the next generation of L-39, offers the USAF a unique balance of experience, operational performance, and cost efficiency available in a light jet.
Giuseppe Giordo, Aero Vodochody President & CEO said: “Our family of aircraft offer the USAF a high and low choice of aircraft upon the Air Force’s cost benefit tradeoff. Together with IAI, Aero is ready to offer the USAF a multi-mission aircraft with the best available technology today, with potential for growth tomorrow. Our two non-developmental solutions offer the American Air Force a real choice of low risk, low cost solutions, in aircraft flying with coalition partners today.”
Benjamin Cohen from Israel Aerospace Industries’ Lahav Division said: “Our cooperation with Aero Vodochody offers the USAF impressive proven performance of the L-159, with new innovative IAI systems, to provide customers with aircraft that meet their OA-X requirements. Our virtual training system for the L-39NG is truly world class.”
Light jets from Aero are operated by air forces in strategic regions for the US. L-39s operate in East Pacific, Baltic countries, Middle Europe, some African countries and other regions around the globe. It makes AERO’s light jets very easy to operate in partnership with other forces and very easy to support abroad. Both aircraft, l-39NG and L-159, are available to meet the timeframe and production tempo stated by the USAF. AERO is also able to move production, final assembly, training and logistics to the US thus creating hundreds of American jobs. AERO and IAI are now active in finding American partner for the O-AX program.
AERO is traditional producer of military light jets. The company has produced over 6,000 jet aircraft with an accumulated 13,000,000 flight hours by more than 60 military operators. In addition, 15 aerobatic teams, such as the Breitling Jet Team, utilize L-39 aircraft, because of well-earned reputation of the aircraft for reliability, dependability, and cost effectiveness, both in the air and on the ground.
L-159
The L-159 aircraft brings together Aero’s long and proven experience in development and production of military jet aircraft, together with the latest advances in avionics, engine and aircraft systems technology. The L-159 is a light, multi-role combat jet designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground Forward Air Control (FAC) and ISR missions. The aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-mode IAI (Elta) radar for all-weather, day and night operations, can be equipped with IAI’s real time, combat proven, Tactical Data Link supporting a high situational awareness capability.
The L-159 is equipped with combat proven, advanced avionics, offering also an important growth potential can be used the USAF – as well as an economic solution presenting an Improved survivability upon its competitors. The L-159 is equipped with seven hard points for any combination of fuel, weapons, or mission equipment. A two-seat derivate of the single-seat L-159, designed for advanced and operational /lead-in fighter training is also available. All L-159 missions are supported by advanced planning and debriefing station.
L-39NG
The L-39NG aircraft is a modern and effective military light jet designed to meet pilot training and light attack requirements of modern air forces. The L-39NG is based on the aerodynamic concept of the current L-39 and incorporates the latest technologies and equipment. The aircraft is powered by the modern FJ44-4M engine supplied with the TAP Blue engine support service, to ensure highly reliable performance and predictable maintenance costs. The aircraft’s state of the art avionics is designed to support multi mission requirements and can be easily tailored to a customer’s specific requirements. The L-39NG is equipped with five hard-points for any combination of fuel, weapons or mission equipment. The aircraft also features a broad range of simulation technologies, including integration with high-tech tactical simulation centers to increase training efficiency. AERO and IAI collaborating on enhancing pilot training by integrating IAI’s virtual training solutions and helmet-mounted display as part of the overall L-39NG training system. The L-39NG project strategic partner is the Czech company Omnipol.