L-39 Albatros
The L-39 Albatros is a military jet trainer aircraft manufactured by Aero Vodochody. The L-39 Albatross was the first of the second-generation jet trainers and the very first turbofan-powered trainer produced.
The L-39 Albatros was built as the successor to the L-29 Delfin and design work began in 1966. There were three variants produced, the L-39C, L-39ZA and the L-39ZO. The L-39 has also been exported to numerous countries, including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Iraq, Libya, Estonya and Kyrghyzstan. The L-59, a modernized derivative of the Albatros is still being built in the Czech Republic and another modernized, but very different version, the L-39MS, actually has more in common with the L-59 than the L-39, despite its designation. The L-39 Albatros’ maiden flight was on November 4, 1968 and was first introduced in 1971. The L-39 has a similar mission as the MB339 as a trainer/light attack aircraft. The L-39 is in service with various former Soviet allies.
Today, newer versions are replacing older L-39s in service. There are thousands of L-39s in active service as trainers and many are currently used by private owners around the world. The L-39 is the most popular jet warbird in the world and there are at least 300 flying in private ownership. There are over 2,800 L3 39 Albatros built.
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