IAI and Czech Company Cooperate on Light Attack/Trainer Jets
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עברית (Hebrew)
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) and Czech Aero Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. signed a partnership agreement relating to technical and marketing cooperation for the military light combat L-159 aircraft. The L-159 is a light multi-role combat aircraft designed for a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions. Its proven robust platform has been successfully operated and tested in NATO joint operations, Red Air exercises and real combat missions. The partners have agreed to integrate new state-of-the-art avionics and other solutions on the L-159 platform and to jointly market the aircraft.
IAI said the cooperation with Aero Vodochody opens up new and exciting opportunities by combining the impressive proven performance of the L-159, with new innovative IAI systems.
The two companies have agreed also to collaborate on enhancing pilot training by integrating IAI’s virtual training solutions as part of the overall L-39NG training system. The L-39NG is now the only platform on the market capable of meeting most of the pilot training syllabus including advanced portion, according to the companies’ mutual statement. This will be of benefit to customers that decide to use only one platform for pilot training and also for customers that retain the two platforms approach, by reducing the number of advanced trainer aircraft resulting in significant cost reduction.
The L-159 aircraft brings together Aero’s long and proven experience in development and production of military jet aircraft, in which field Aero is historically the largest producer in the world, together with the latest advances in avionics, engine and aircraft systems technology.
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 Real Time Tactical combat proven Data Link supporting a high capability of Situational Awareness presentation and can carry a wide range of NATO standards stores including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs.
The two-seat L-159 is a derivate of the single-seat L-159, primarily designed for Advanced and Operational/Lead-In Fighter Training. The L-159 configuration can also be tailored to customer specific requirements and adapted to needs of basic training as well as combat missions including air-to-ground, patrol and reconnaissance missions – all supported by advanced planning and debriefing station.
The L-39NG aircraft is a modern and effective trainer designed to meet the comprehensive pilot training requirements of modern air forces. The aircraft is based on the aerodynamic concept of the current L-39, but utilizes 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 avionics are designed to support the training of future pilots of 4th and 5th generation aircraft and can be tailored to the customer’s specific requirements. The aircraft is equipped with five hard-points for weapons. The aircraft also features a broad range of simulation technologies, including integration with high-tech tactical simulation centers to increase training efficiency.
