Aero L-39 Albatros

{{Short description|Trainer aircraft family by Aero}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = L-39 Albatros | image = File:L-39ZA Albatros (cropped).jpg | caption = A Czech Air Force L-39 | type = Military trainer aircraft Light ground-attack aircraft | national_origin = Czechoslovakia | manufacturer = Aero Vodochody | designer = Jan Vlček<ref name = "wilk 30">Wilkinson 2002, p. 30.</ref> | first_flight = 4 November 1968 | introduction = 28 March 1972 with the Czechoslovak Air Force<ref>{{cite web |author = John Pike |url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/l-39.htm |title = Aero L-39 Albatros |publisher = Globalsecurity.org |access-date = 15 March 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130522145053/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/l-39.htm |archive-date = 22 May 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref> | retired = | status = In service | primary_user = Soviet Air Force (historical) | more_users = Ukrainian Air Force Czechoslovak Air Force Libyan Air Force | produced = 1971–1996<ref name = "aero l39"/> 2023–2024 (L-39 Skyfox)<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |url = http://www.aero.cz/ |title = The first flight of the serial L-39 Skyfox from Aero was excellent | Aero Vodochody Aerospace a.s. |website = www.aero.cz}}</ref> | number_built = 2,900<ref name = "aero l39"/> | developed_from = Aero L-29 Delfín | variants = | developed_into = Aero L-59 Super Albatros Aero L-159 Alca Aero L-39 Skyfox }}

The '''Aero L-39 Albatros''' is a high-performance jet trainer designed and produced by Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic. In addition to performing basic and advanced pilot training, it has also flown combat missions in a light-attack role. Despite its manufacturing origin in the Warsaw Pact, the L-39 never received a NATO reporting name.

The L-39 Albatros was designed during the 1960s as a successor to the Aero L-29 Delfín, an early jet-powered principal training aircraft. Performing its maiden flight on 4 November 1968, it became the first trainer aircraft in the world to be equipped with a turbofan powerplant. Quantity production of the L-39 Albatros proceeded in 1971; one year later, it was formally recognized by the majority of the Warsaw Pact countries as their preferred primary trainer. Accordingly, thousands of L39s would be produced for various military customers in Eastern Europe. Additionally, it was exported to a range of countries across the world both as a trainer and a light-attack aircraft. Since the 1990s, it has also become popular among civilian operators. By the end of the century, in excess of 2,800 L-39s had served with over 30 air forces.

Several derivatives of the L-39 Albatros were developed. During the 1980s, Aero Vodochody used it as the basis for the L-59 Super Albatros, an enlarged and updated model. Furthermore, the L-39 lineage would be extended to the L-139, a prototype L-39 fitted with a Western-sourced Garrett TFE731 engine. A combat-oriented development of the aircraft, designated as the L-159 ALCA, entered production in 1997, and has since been procured by a range of export customers. Production of the original L-39 came to an end during the mid-1990s, orders having declined substantially following the end of the Cold War. At the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014, Aero Vodochody announced the launch of the L-39NG, an upgraded and modernised version of the L-39; this programme is set to produce new-build aircraft alongside the extensive rebuilding of existing aircraft. In 2023, production of the L-39NG resumed under the name ''Skyfox'', with 34 aircraft on order.<ref name="auto1"/>

==Development== In 1964, the Czechoslovak aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody embarked on a new design project to meet the specified requirements for a "C-39" (C for ''cvičný'' – trainer), setting up a design team under the leadership of {{ill|Jan Vlček|cs|Jan Vlček (1922–1984)}}. This aircraft was to serve as a replacement for the Aero L-29 Delfín, an early jet-powered trainer, as a principal training aircraft.<ref>Jackson 2011, p. 174.</ref><ref name="Lake p117-8">Lake 2000, pp. 117–118.</ref> Vlcek envisioned the type, a twin-seat single-engine aircraft, being adopted as the primary trainer throughout the Warsaw Pact nations.<ref name = "wilk 30"/>

On 4 November 1969, the L-39 (under the designation "Prototype X-02" – the second airframe to be built) conducted its maiden flight, for which it was piloted by Rudolf Duchoň, the factory's test pilot.<ref name="Lake p122"/><ref name = "flight 1978">[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1978/1978%20-%202945.html "Aero L-39 Albatros."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160506082858/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1978/1978%20-%202945.html |date = 6 May 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 18 November 1978. p. 1872.</ref> Serial production of the initial model of the L-39, designated ''L-39C'', commenced in 1971. During 1972, the L-39 Albatros was formally recognized by the majority of the countries comprising the Warsaw Pact as their preferred primary trainer, after which point, sizable orders from military customers throughout the bloc proceeded, many of which were from the Soviet Air Forces.<ref name = "wilk 30"/><ref name = "aero l39"/> In 1974, the first L-39 trainer entered service with the Czechoslovak Air Force.<ref name = "aero l39"/>

thumb|left|An Estonian L-39 in flight, 2007 Several specialised variants of the base L-39 design were quickly introduced. In 1972, a purpose-built target tug variant, the L-39V, conducted its initial flight.<ref name = "aero l39"/> During 1975, the first L-39ZO training/light combat model, which was equipped with four underwing hardpoints as well as a strengthened wing and modified landing gear, performed its first flight.<ref name = "aero l39"/> In 1977, the first L-39ZA light combat variant, which was fitted with a single Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 cannon mounted underneath the fuselage in addition to the four hardpoints and strengthening of the L-39ZO, made its maiden flight.<ref name = "aero l39"/><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/military-aircraft-directory-aero-vodochody-40199/ "Military Aircraft Directory: Aero Vodochody."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160504183437/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/military-aircraft-directory-aero-vodochody-40199/ |date = 4 May 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 29 July 1998.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 1998 |title=Military Aircraft Directory: Aero Vodochody |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/military-aircraft-directory-aero-vodochody/22163.article |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328132055/https://www.flightglobal.com/military-aircraft-directory-aero-vodochody/22163.article |archive-date=28 March 2020 |access-date=4 May 2016 |website=Flight Global |url-status=live}}</ref>

According to aerospace publication Flight International, roughly 200 L-39s were being sold each year in the jet trainer market during the late 1980s.<ref name = "flight 1994"/> According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in 1993, the total export orders gained for the L-39 represented 80 per cent of the value of all Czech military product export sales made for that year.<ref>Kiss 1997, p. 46.</ref> During the 1990s, shortly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, Aero Vodochody decided to develop versions of the Albatros equipped with Western-sourced avionics, engines, and weapon systems.<ref name = "flight 1994"/> Around the same time, Aero Vodochody formed an active partnership with Elbit Systems of Israel, under which a number of L-39s were delivered to Elbit to be equipped with modern electronics and onboard systems before being re-exported to end users such as the Royal Thai Air Force.<ref name = "kiss 48">Kiss 1997, p. 48.</ref><ref>Karp 1993, p. 117.</ref><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/iai-targets-l-39-users-for-electronics-upgrade-167033/ "IAI targets L-39 users for electronics upgrade."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160428150108/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/iai-targets-l-39-users-for-electronics-upgrade-167033/ |date = 28 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 18 June 2003.</ref>

Sales of the L-39 declined during the 1990s. This downturn has been attributed to the loss of the captive Warsaw Pact trainer market, to which a substantial proportion of the total aircraft manufactured had been historically sold; allegations about Czechoslovak banks being unable to finance the defense industry and inaction on the part of the Czechoslovak government; and concerns over the quality of manufacturing standards.<ref name = "flight 1994">Jeriorski, Andrzej. [https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%200871.html "Business Analysis: Dilemmas in Prague."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160507064107/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%200871.html |date = 7 May 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 5 April 1994.</ref> In 1996, production of the L-39 came to an end.<ref name = "aero l39"/> Since the end of production, Aero Vodochody has developed several improved variants of the L-39 to take its place, and has continued extensive support and overhaul operations for existing L-39 customers.<ref>Sedlak, Lubomir. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-vodochody-up-for-sale-197929/ "Aero Vodochody up for sale."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160428132538/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-vodochody-up-for-sale-197929/ |date = 28 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 17 May 2005.</ref>

One of the replacements for the L-39 Albatros was the Aero L-159 Alca, a modernised version of the L-39.<ref>Gerzanics, Michael. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/czech-striker-57077/ "Czech striker."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304183015/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/czech-striker-57077/ |date = 4 March 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 13 October 1999.</ref> Originally, Aero Vodochody had intended to develop the L-159 in partnership with Elbit, but the Czech Ministry of Defense instead selected Rockwell Collins to partner on the program.<ref>Kiss 1997, pp. 48–49.</ref> The limited success of the L-159 led Aero to announce at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow that it was developing an upgraded version of the L-39, designated L-39NG (''Skyfox''), to compete with the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and British Aerospace Hawk. The L-39 Skyfox replaces the AI-25 turbofan with a Williams FJ44 engine; the airframe is modified, the wingtip fuel tanks being eliminated, and a new suite of avionics will be provided. The first flight of the L-39 Skyfox was in December 2018, and final military type certification was granted by the Czech Military Aviation Authority in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boatman |first=Julie |date=2022-08-11 |title=Aero L-39NG Certification Opens Up New Sales for Popular Jet Trainer |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/aero-l-39ng-certification-opens-up-new-sales-for-popular-jet-trainer/ |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=Flying Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=L-39NG attains type certification as Aero announces new MoU with Patriot Global Training |url=https://www.key.aero/article/l-39ng-attains-type-certification-aero-announces-new-mou-patriot-global-training |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=www.key.aero |date=19 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The first production L-39NG is expected to fly by the end of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubois |first=Gastón |date=2022-08-01 |title=First serial production L-39NG prepares for maiden flight |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/08/first-serial-production-l-39ng-prepares-for-maiden-flight/ |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=Aviacionline.com |language=es}}</ref>

==Design== [[File:66 L-39 Albatros VH IJC True Blue Reno Air Races 2014 photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|thumb|An L-39 at the 2014 Reno Air Race]] The L-39 Albatros was designed to be a cost-effective jet-powered trainer aircraft, which is also capable of performing ground attack missions. For operational flexibility, simplicity, and affordability, the majority of onboard systems have been simplified to avoid incurring high levels of maintenance, as well as to minimize damage caused by mishandling when flown by inexperienced air crew.<ref>Wilkinson 2005, pp. 164–166.</ref> It could be readily flown from austere airstrips such as frozen lakebeds, enabled through the rugged design of the landing gear and favourable low landing speeds. The aircraft's flying qualities are reportedly simple, which is made easier by way of a rapid throttle response, making it easier for students who had never previously flown a jet aircraft before to successfully control.<ref>Wilkinson 2005, pp. 165–166, 169.</ref> As a training platform, the L-39 itself comprised part of a comprehensive system that also used flight simulators and mobile ground test equipment.<ref name = "flight 1978"/>

thumb|An L-39C Albatros at Wings over Illawarra in 2017 The low-set, straight wing has a double-taper planform, 2½-deg dihedral from the roots, a relatively low aspect ratio, and {{convert|100|L|USgal impgal|0}} fuel tanks permanently attached to the wingtips. The trailing edge has double-slotted trailing edge flaps inboard of mass-balanced ailerons; the flaps are separated from the ailerons by small wing fences.<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8"/> An automatic trimming system was present, the flaps and the trim system being connected in order to counteract the potentially large pitch changes that would otherwise be generated by vigorous movements of the flaps.<ref name = "wilk 165">Wilkinson 2005, p. 165.</ref> The tall, swept vertical tail has an inset rudder. Variable-incidence horizontal stabilizers with inset elevators are mounted at the base of the rudder and over the exhaust nozzle.<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8"/> Side-by-side airbrakes are located under the fuselage ahead of the wing's leading edge. The flaps, landing gear, wheel brakes and air brakes are powered by a hydraulic system. Controls are pushrod-actuated and have electrically powered servo tabs on the ailerons and rudder. Operational g-force limits at {{convert|4,200|kg|lb}} are +8/-4 g.<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8"/>

thumb|left|The underside of an L39 Albatros in-flight, 2008 A long, pointed nose leads back to the tandem cockpit, in which the student and instructor sit on Czech-built VS-1 ejection seats under individual canopies, which are opened manually and are hinged on the right.<ref name = "wilk 165"/> The rear seat, typically used by the instructor, is elevated slightly to readily enable observation and guidance of the student's actions in the forward position.<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8"/><ref name="auto">Wilkinson 2005, p. 164.</ref> The design of the cockpit, panel layout and many of its fittings resemble or are identical in function to those of other commonly used Soviet aircraft; for example, the procedure for deploying the ejection seat is exactly the same as for the Mikoyan MiG-29.<ref name = "wilk 166">Wilkinson 2005, p. 166.</ref> The cockpit is partially pressurized, requiring the air crew to wear oxygen masks when flying in excess of 23,000 feet.<ref name = "wilk 168">Wilkinson 2005, p. 168.</ref> A gyro gunsight for weapon-aiming purposes is typically present in the forward position only.<ref name = "warlike jets">[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201200.html "Warlike Jets."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160504211010/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%201200.html |date = 4 May 2016}} ''Flight International'', 2 July 1983. p. 28.</ref>

A single turbofan engine, an Ivchenko AI-25TL (made in the Soviet Union) is positioned in the rear fuselage, fed through shoulder-mounted, semi-circular air intakes (fitted with splitter plates) just behind the cockpit and the tailpipe below the horizontal tailplane. The engine has a time between overhaul (TBO) of 1,000 flight hours; it is allegedly cheaper than the majority of turbine engines to overhaul.<ref name = "wilk 169">Wilkinson 2005, p. 169.</ref> Five rubber bag fuel tanks are located in the fuselage behind the cockpit. Several heavy radio units are typically installed in an aft avionics bay; these are often removed on civilian-operated aircraft and replaced with a 70-gallon fuel tank. Additional fuel tanks can be fitted in the rear cockpit position and externally underneath the wings; the tip-tanks can also be expanded for a greater fuel capacity.<ref name = "wilk 168"/>

The aircraft is fitted with a hydraulically actuated retractable nosewheel undercarriage that is designed to allow operation from grass airfields. The main landing gear legs retract inward into wing bays while the nose gear retracts forward.<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8"/> The basic L-39C trainer has provision for two underwing pylons for drop tanks or practice weapons, but these are not usually fitted.<ref name="Lake p123-4"/> It can be armed with a pair of K-13 missiles to provide a basic air defense capability.<ref name = "warlike jets"/> Light-attack variants have four underwing hardpoints for ground attack stores, while the ZA variant also has an underfuselage gun pod.<ref name="Lake p125-6">Lake 2000, pp. 125–126.</ref> Mock UB-16 rocket pods can also be installed for visual appearance only.<ref name="auto" />

==Operational history== thumb|right|Civil L-39 in fictional Soviet 84th Light Strike Squadron markings [[File:Breitling L-39 Albatros at Fairford RIAT 10July2014 arp.jpg|thumb|L-39 of the Breitling Jet Team]]

===Georgia=== During the War in Abkhazia (1992–1993), Abkhaz separatist forces received several L-39s from Russia and Chechnya, which were used in combat against Georgian forces. On 10 January 1993, an Abkhaz L-39 was shot down by a Russian SA-11 Buk during a friendly-fire incident.<ref name="Aviation in Abkhaz Conflict">{{cite web |title = Aviation in Abkhaz Conflict |url = https://www.airwar.ru/history/locwar/xussr/abhazia/abhazia.html |publisher = Mikhail Zhirohov |access-date = 5 February 2022}}</ref> The pilot, Oleg Chanba, who was commander of the Abkhaz separatist air force, was killed during the incident.<ref name="Aviation in Abkhaz Conflict" /> On 1 April 1993, during the attack on civilian targets in Sokhumi, Georgian forces managed to damage an L-39, which fell into the sea.<ref name="Aviation in Abkhaz Conflict" />

In the spring of 2008, a number of Georgian drones were shot down by Abkhazian separatist forces over the Abkhazia region. The Abkhazian separatist forces claimed that one of its missile-equipped L-39s had shot down a Georgian Hermes 450 unmanned reconnaissance drone.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=10615 |title = The Georgian Times on the Web |publisher = Geotimes.ge |access-date = 29 December 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120118112543/http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=10615 |archive-date = 18 January 2012 }}</ref> Footage released later by Georgian authorities clearly shows a drone being brought down by a heat-seeking missile fired from a MiG-29. A UN investigation also concluded that the footage was authentic and that the drone was shot down by a Russian MiG-29 using a Vympel R-73 heat seeking missile.<ref>{{cite web |last = Chivers |first = C.J. |url = http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/26/europe/georgia.php |title = Georgia. |access-date = 5 June 2008 |url-status = bot: unknown |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081013141331/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/26/europe/georgia.php |archive-date = 13 October 2008 |work = International Herald Tribune |date = 26 May 2008 }}</ref>

===Afghanistan=== The Taliban Air Force had managed to obtain around five L-39C aircraft from the remnants of the former Democratic Republic of Afghanistan Air Force; with foreign technical support and pilots, these were placed into combat operations during the later stages of the 1996–2001 phase of the Afghan civil war against the Northern Alliance. In early 2001, only two of these reportedly remained operational.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=47 |title = Afghanistan, 1979–2001; Part 2 |publisher = ACIG |last1 = Cooper |first1 = Tom |last2 = Troung |last3 = Koelich |first3 = Marc |date = 10 February 2008 |access-date = 23 December 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141224025806/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=47 |archive-date = 24 December 2014 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/taliban39s-modest-armoury-137511/ "Taliban's modest armoury."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160428004946/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/taliban39s-modest-armoury-137511/ |date = 28 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 16 October 2001.</ref> Following the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, a number of L-39s were inducted into the Afghan Air Force.<ref>{{cite web |last = Starkey |first = Jerome |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/karzai-escapes-again-as-taliban-attack-parade-816651.html |title = Karzai escapes again as Taliban attack parade |work = The Independent |date = 27 April 2008 |access-date = 19 September 2017 |archive-date = 27 March 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170327180555/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/karzai-escapes-again-as-taliban-attack-parade-816651.html |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/afghan-aaf-training-getting-its-own-air-traffic-control-07286/ "Afghan AAF Training Getting Its Own Air Traffic Control."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160425085824/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/afghan-aaf-training-getting-its-own-air-traffic-control-07286/ |date = 25 April 2016 }} ''Defense Industry Daily'', 29 January 2012.</ref>

===Azerbaijan=== A number of L-39s, along with older L-29s, were used extensively by Azeri forces to perform ground attack missions during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in the 1980s and early 1990s. A number of these were reportedly shot down by air defenses employed by the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_280.shtml |title = Air War over Nagorniy-Kharabakh, 1988–1994 |publisher = Acig.org |access-date = 29 December 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130604074555/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_280.shtml |archive-date = 4 June 2013 |url-status = usurped }}</ref> In September 2015, Aero Vodochody sought a large order for the latest model of the L-39 to Azerbaijan; by this point, Azerbaijan had a total of 24 airworthy L-39s remaining in service.<ref>Velinger, Jan. [http://www.radio.cz/en/section/business/trinecke-zelezarny-win-lucrative-contract-worth-15-billion-crowns "Třinecké železárny win lucrative contract worth 15 billion crowns."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160109180741/http://www.radio.cz/en/section/business/trinecke-zelezarny-win-lucrative-contract-worth-15-billion-crowns |date = 9 January 2016 }} ''Třinecké železárny win lucrative contract worth 15 billion crowns'', 24 September 2015.</ref>

===Chechnya=== The newly de facto independent Chechen Republic of Ichkeria found itself with dozens of L-39s (as well as several L-29s, three MiG-17s, two MiG-15UTIs, helicopters and other transport and civilian aircraft) left at Khankala and Kalinovskaya airbases by the Soviet Air Force in 1992.<ref>Seely 2001, p. 121.</ref> Most of these, however, were reportedly abandoned or not in flyable condition, but during the August–November 1994 conflict between nationalist and pro-Russian forces L-39s were deployed and were possibly one of the few air attack (and possibly reconnaissance) elements on Dzhokar Dudayev's forces. At least one was reported as shot down near Goragorsk on October 4 by a Strela-2 MANPADS fired by Doku Zavgayev's pro-Russian militia. The pilot, Col. Ali Musayev and the co-pilot Dedal Dadayev were killed.<ref name="skywar.ru">{{cite web |url = http://skywar.ru/chechenyaen.html |title = Chechenya – Air force in local wars |access-date = 4 October 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140308111022/http://skywar.ru/chechenyaen.html |archive-date = 8 March 2014 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Thomas">Thomas, Timothy L., [http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj97/win97/thomas.pdf Air Operations in Low Intensity Conflict – The Case of Chechnya] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181506/http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj97/win97/thomas.pdf |date = 3 March 2016 }}, retrieved 1 January 2015</ref>

One of the main reasons that prompted the first Su-25 air raids that destroyed the Chechen air force on the ground, and started the Russian intervention, was preparations being made by Dudayev's air force, which had been spotted by reconnaissance Sukhoi Su-24MRs. There were fears that these aircraft could slow or deter the Russian air and ground campaign, as well as the capability of several aircraft to conduct kamikaze attacks on Russian nuclear power plants (specifically via means of the ejection seat in most aircraft, notably the L-39, by filling them with explosives to act as improvised cruise missiles).<ref name="Thomas"/>

===Iraq=== Iraq became the first export customer for the L-39 Albatros.<ref name = "flight 1978"/> By mid 1970, the Iraqi Air Force had procured a considerable number of L-39 trainers, having transferred the bulk of their training activities onto the Czechoslovak aircraft.<ref>Corrigan 2016, p. 64.</ref> During the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, on 14 April 2003, a pair of United States Navy McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets attacked several L-29 and L-39 aircraft on the ground at an airfield near the city of Tikrit; these had been believed to have been modified to perform as delivery platforms for weapons.<ref>Holmes 2012, p. 66.</ref>

===Libya=== Libya acquired some 180 L-39ZOs around 1978, which served at Sabha and Okba Ben Nafi flying schools along with Yugoslav-made G-2 Galeb for advanced jet training and Italian-made SF.260s (for primary training).<ref>{{cite web |url = http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field%28DOCID+ly0149%29 |title = Libya |publisher = Lcweb2.loc.gov |access-date = 29 March 2013 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20121212051507/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+ly0149) |archive-date = 12 December 2012 |url-status = live }}</ref>

The L-39s were deployed during the Chadian-Libyan conflict, mainly to Ouadi Doum air base. During the final Chadian offensive in March 1987, the Chadians captured Ouadi Doum along with several aircraft (11 L-39s included) and Soviet SAM systems and tanks. A Chadian report to the UN, reported the aforementioned capture on 11 L-39s and the destruction (or downing) of at least four of them.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/printer_360.shtml |title = Libyan Wars, 1980–1989, Part 6 |publisher = Acig.org |access-date = 29 March 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121024002310/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/printer_360.shtml |archive-date = 24 October 2012 |url-status = usurped }}</ref>

In the midst of that conflict, on 21 April 1983, three LARAF Ilyushin Il-76TDs and one Lockheed C-130 Hercules landed at Manaus Airport, Brazil after one of the Il-76s developed technical problems while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft were then searched by the Brazilian authorities: instead of medical supplies – as quoted in the transport documentation – the crate of the first of 17 L-39s bound for Nicaragua together with arms and parachutes, to support the country's war against US-backed Contras, were found. The cargo was impounded for some time before being returned to Libya, while the transports were permitted to return to their country.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_157.shtml |title=Central and Latin America Database: Nicaragua 1980–1988 |publisher = Air Combat Information Group |date = 1 September 2003 |access-date = 4 May 2011 |first = Tom |last = Cooper |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006231758/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_157.shtml |archive-date = 6 October 2014 |url-status = usurped |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1916&dat=19830422&id=4R9JAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VwYNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3703,3715291 |title = Brazil Holding Arms for Nicaragua |page = 12 |publisher = The Hour |work = Google News Archive |date = 22 April 1983 |access-date = 5 October 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170327182952/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1916&dat=19830422&id=4R9JAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VwYNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3703,3715291 |archive-date = 27 March 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}</ref> During the 1990s and 2000s, Libya made multiple attempts to get components and services for its air force in spite of an embargo placed upon the country by United Nations Security Council Resolution 748; by 2001, only half of Libya's L-39s were serviceable as a consequence.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-thwarts-libyan-move-135618/ "Italy thwarts Libyan move."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160428132540/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-thwarts-libyan-move-135618/ |date = 28 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 4 September 2001.</ref>

===Russia=== {{expand section|date=April 2016}} [[File:Rus aerobatic Aero L-39s demonstration at 2015 MAKS.jpg|upright|thumb|Pair of Russian L-39s performing an aerobatic demonstration at the 2015 MAKS air show]] Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Russian Air Force in 1991, the newly formed service found itself with hundreds of L-39 aircraft, the majority of which were surplus to their training requirements. According to author Stephan Wilkinson, by 2005, Russia was seeking to potentially sell up to 800 of their L-39s, which were receiving only a basic level of maintenance once per month while their fate was being decided.<ref name = "wilk 162">Wilkinson 2005, p. 162.</ref> Starting in the early 1990s, the Russian Air Force has pursued the development of a domestically built jet trainer, for which the Yakovlev Yak-130 was selected; the Yak-130 shall eventually replace the L-39 in Russian service within its operational roles.<ref name=IBT_2002>{{Cite journal |last = Butowski |first = Piotr |url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-87852333.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924164825/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-87852333.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 24 September 2015 |title = Russian military trainer strategy falls into place; the selection of the Yak-130 marks an important step towards replacing the country's aging fleet of L-39Cs. Things are moving in the simulator business, too |journal = Interavia Business & Technology |publisher = Aerospace Media Publishing |date = 1 May 2002 |issn=1423-3215 |access-date = 22 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last = Collins |first = Peter |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-yak-130-proves-versatility-373512/ |title = Flight Test: Yak-130 proves versatility |publisher = Flight International |date = 10 July 2012 |access-date = 17 April 2016 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102514/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-yak-130-proves-versatility-373512/ |url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Syria=== The Syrian Arab Air Force has operated a number of armed L-39ZA light attack variants.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://air.blastmagazine.com/syria-not-using-migs-to-attack-rebels-jet-seen-attacking-aleppo-is-a-czech-made-trainer/ |title = Syrian government using L-39 trainer jets to attack rebels — Air Cache |publisher = Air.blastmagazine.com |date = 9 August 2012 |access-date = 29 September 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130513185554/http://air.blastmagazine.com/syria-not-using-migs-to-attack-rebels-jet-seen-attacking-aleppo-is-a-czech-made-trainer/ |archive-date = 13 May 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Since the early stages of the Syrian civil war, the Syrian Air Force's L-39 aircraft have been routinely deployed in counter-insurgency operations against various rebel ground forces, a number of these aircraft have also been shot down by ground fire. They were first used operationally during the Battle of Aleppo, launching several strikes upon rebel-held positions.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SBy9nA5oes |title = 24 7 Aleppo أوغاريت حلب , هااااااااااااااااااام جدا , لحظة سقوط الصاروخ من طائرة الميغ |date = 24 July 2012 |publisher = YouTube |access-date = 29 September 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120725064908/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SBy9nA5oes |archive-date = 25 July 2012 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1 = Boxx |first1 = Eddie |first2 = Jeffrey |last2 = White |url = http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/responding-to-assads-use-of-airpower-in-Syria |title = Policy Analysis: Responding to Assad's Use of Airpower in Syria |publisher = The Washington Institute |date = 20 November 2012 |access-date = 17 April 2016 |archive-date = 5 May 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160505162348/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/responding-to-assads-use-of-airpower-in-Syria |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9426406/Amateur-footage-emerges-of-Syrian-jets-deployed-against-rebels.html |title = Amateur footage emerges of Syrian jets deployed against rebels |publisher = The Telegraph |date = 25 July 2012 |access-date = 4 April 2018 |archive-date = 13 September 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170913014408/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9426406/Amateur-footage-emerges-of-Syrian-jets-deployed-against-rebels.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> It has been claimed the L-39 was the first fixed-wing aircraft to be employed against the rebels.<ref name = "kweiris">{{cite web |url = http://syriadirect.org/news/as-flights-resume-out-of-kweiris-rebel-commander-expects-raids-to-increase/ |title = As flights resume out of Kweiris, rebel commander expects raids to increase |publisher = Syria Direct |date = 16 December 2015 |access-date = 17 April 2016 |archive-date = 12 April 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160412143610/http://syriadirect.org/news/as-flights-resume-out-of-kweiris-rebel-commander-expects-raids-to-increase/ |url-status = dead }}</ref>

In February 2013, insurgents successfully captured a number of intact L-39s, along with their support equipment, after raiding and later taking over the Al-Jarrah airbase.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvN_TWPKnN8 |title = Syria – FSA Capture Al-Jarrah Military Air Port (Feb 2013) |author=BAYNETNA News |publisher = YouTube |date = 12 February 2013 |access-date = 20 November 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160101164913/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvN_TWPKnN8 |archive-date = Jan 1, 2016 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>Roggio, Bill. [http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/02/islamist_rebels_seiz.php "'Islamist factions' seize Syrian airbase"], ''FDD's Long War Journal'', 12 February 2013. {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160429202748/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/02/islamist_rebels_seiz.php |date = 29 April 2016 }}.</ref> In late 2013, reports emerged of claims by Islamist fighters that they had successfully flown two of the captured L-39s.<ref>Zion, Ilan Ben. [http://www.timesofisrael.com/islamist-rebel-air-force-takes-wing/ "Islamist rebel air force takes off in Syria"], ''Times of Israel'', 3 November 2013. {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131128064223/http://www.timesofisrael.com/islamist-rebel-air-force-takes-wing/ |date = 28 November 2013 }}.</ref><ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/21/u-s-fighter-jocks-pray-the-isis-air-force-rumors-are-true.html "U.S. Fighter Jocks Pray The 'ISIS Air Force' Rumors Are True"], ''The Daily Beast'', 21 October 2014. {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160414225200/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/21/u-s-fighter-jocks-pray-the-isis-air-force-rumors-are-true.html |date = 14 April 2016 }}.</ref> In October 2014, the Syrian Government claimed that at least two rebel-held L-39s had been airworthy and had recently been destroyed by Syrian Air Force aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |last = Yashar |first = Ari |url = http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/186439 |title = Syria Bombs Islamic State 'Air Force |publisher = Israel National News |date = 22 October 2014 |access-date = 17 April 2016 |archive-date = 25 April 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160425212834/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/186439#.VxOWx5v2aUk |url-status = dead }}</ref>

According to Reuters, by 2014, the L-39 had allegedly become one of the favoured platforms of the Syrian Air Force for performing ground attack missions due to its slower speed and higher agility over other aircraft in its inventory. In December 2015, following the securing of the Kweiris airbase by government forces, the resumption of ground-attack missions by L-39s in the vicinity of Aleppo commenced shortly thereafter.<ref name = "kweiris"/>

On 26 December 2017, a Syrian L-39 was shot down near Hama airport.<ref>[https://twitter.com/AlArabiya_Eng/status/945697638862729216 "Syrian media confirm opposition shot down regime military aircraft near the eastern Hama countryside."] ''Al Arabiya English'', 26 December 2017.</ref><ref>[https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2017/26-december-l39-aircraft-was-reportedly-shot-down-after-taking "L-39 aircraft was reportedly shot down after taking off the Hama airport."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232242/https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2017/26-december-l39-aircraft-was-reportedly-shot-down-after-taking |date = 28 December 2017 }} ''syria.liveuamap.com'', 26 December 2017.</ref>

On 3 March 2020, a Syrian Arab Army Air Force L-39 was shot down by a Turkish Air Force F-16 over Idlib province. Both Syrian and Turkish forces confirmed the downing.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-downs-syrian-regime-warplane-latest-updates-34168 |title = Turkey downs Syrian regime warplane – latest updates |website = Turkey downs Syrian regime warplane – latest updates |access-date = 2020-03-03 |archive-date = 2020-03-03 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200303100719/https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-downs-syrian-regime-warplane-latest-updates-34168 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

During the Northwestern Syria offensive (2024), some L-39s were captured by Syrian opposition forces after the capture of Aleppo.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Suciu |first1=Peter |title=Syrian Rebels Didn't Just Capture Aleppo − They Took Abandoned Military Hardware |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/syrian-rebels-didn%E2%80%99t-just-capture-aleppo%E2%80%94they-took-abandoned-military-hardware-213990 |website=The National Interest |access-date=6 December 2024 |date=5 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ershad |first1=Alijani |title=Fighter Jets, tanks and more: Syrian army's retreat from Aleppo is a windfall for rebels |url=https://observers.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241203-fighter-jets-tanks-and-more-syrian-army-s-retreat-from-aleppo-is-a-windfall-for-rebels |access-date=6 December 2024 |work=The France 24 Observers |publisher=France 24 |date=3 December 2024}}</ref>

===Ukraine=== On 24 February 2022, a Ukrainian L-39 from the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade (Ukraine) piloted by Dmytro Kolomiyets was shot down by a Russian aircraft in Khmelnytskyi during the opening hours of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On 9 August 2022, Dmytro Kolomiyets was posthumously awarded with the Order of the Gold Star.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://armyinform.com.ua/2022/03/29/lotchyk-vynyshhuvach-dmytro-kolomiyecz-zagynuv-u-povitryanomu-boyu-prykryvayuchy-pobratymiv/ |title = Льотчик-винищувач Дмитро Коломієць загинув у повітряному бою, прикриваючи побратимів |work = Army Inform |date = 29 March 2022 |language = uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.0412.ua/news/3440681/prezident-ukraini-posmertno-nagorodiv-lotcika-z-ozernogo-dmitra-kolomijca-ordenom-zolota-zirka |title = Президент України посмертно нагородив льотчика з Озерного Дмитра Коломійця орденом "Золота Зірка" |language = uk |date = 9 August 2022}}</ref>

On 25 August 2023, two Ukrainian L-39s collided during a combat mission over Zhytomyr, killing three pilots. Among those killed was combat pilot Andrii Pilshchykov, an Order of Courage recipient more commonly known by his callsign "Juice", who had become famous in the west for his articulate appeals early in the war for allies to supply F-16s to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/three-pilots-of-the-air-force-of-ukraine-killed-in-the-zhytomyr-region/|title=Three pilots of the Air Force of Ukraine killed in the Zhytomyr region|date=26 August 2023|language=uk}}</ref>

===Civilian use=== [[File:24 L-39 (N-757SF) Violated Reno Air Race 2014 photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|thumb|right|An L-39 at the 2014 Reno Air Race]] While newer versions are now replacing older L-39s in service, thousands remain in active service as trainers, and many are finding new homes with private warbird owners all over the world. It has been claimed that the L-39's desirability stems from it being "the only available second-generation jet trainer".<ref name="auto"/> This trend is particularly evident in the United States, where their $200,000–$300,000 price puts them in range of moderately wealthy pilots looking for a fast, agile personal jet.<ref>Wilkinson 2002, pp. 32–33.</ref> Their popularity led to a purely L-39 Jet class being introduced at the Reno Air Races in 2002, though it has since been expanded to include other, similar aircraft.<ref>[http://airrace.org/portfolio-item/jet-class/ "Jet Class."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418034916/http://airrace.org/portfolio-item/jet-class/ |date=2016-04-18 }} ''National Championship Air Races'', Retrieved: 17 April 2016.</ref><ref>[http://racingjets.com/content/jets "Jets."] {{webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160415133205/http://racingjets.com/content/jets |date = 15 April 2016 }} ''Racing Jets Incorporated'', Retrieved: 17 April 2016.</ref><ref>Hoffman, Carl. [http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/reno-enters-the-jet-age-32839847/?no-ist "Reno Enters the Jet Age."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160425021431/http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/reno-enters-the-jet-age-32839847/?no-ist |date = 25 April 2016 }} ''Air & Space Magazine'', September 2002.</ref>

thumb|A civilian owned L-39 in Australia in 2011 In September 2012, there were 255 L-39s registered with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and four registered with Transport Canada.<ref name="FAAReg">{{cite web |url = http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=L-39&PageNo=1 |title = Make / Model Inquiry Results|access-date = 30 September 2012 |publisher = Federal Aviation Administration |date = 30 September 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151019130358/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Results.aspx?Mfrtxt=&Modeltxt=L-39&PageNo=1 |archive-date = 19 October 2015 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="TCCAR">{{cite web |url = http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp |title = Canadian Civil Aircraft Register |access-date = 30 September 2012 |publisher = Transport Canada |date = 30 September 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110718042755/http://wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp |archive-date = 18 July 2011 }}</ref> Several display teams use the L-39 such as the Patriots Jet Team (6 L-39s), the Breitling Jet Team (7 L-39s) and the Black Diamond Jet Team (5 L-39s).<ref name="Black Diamond Jet Team Aircraft">{{cite web|url = http://www.blackdiamondjetteam.com/performance |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130118065222/http://www.blackdiamondjetteam.com/performance |url-status = dead |archive-date = 18 January 2013 |title = Black Diamond Jet Team Performance |publisher = blackdiamondjetteam.com |access-date = 12 July 2012 }}</ref><ref>Siminski, Jacek. [http://theaviationist.com/tag/aero-l-39-albatros/ "Stunning Air-to-Air photographs of the Latvian Baltic Bees Aerobatic Display Team."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160414082744/http://theaviationist.com/tag/aero-l-39-albatros/ |date = 14 April 2016 }} ''The Aviationist'', 11 December 2015.</ref> There are also several L-39s that have been made available for private jet rides by various operators in Australia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Spain and the US.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.migflug.com/en/jet-fighter-flights/aircraft/l-39-albatros.html |title = Aero L-39 Albatros – Ground Attack Aircraft, Surveillance-Jet and East-Block Jet Trainer: MiGFlug.com |work = MiGFlug – Jet Fighter Flights in Supersonic Military Fighter Aircraft |access-date = 7 December 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160106183234/http://www.migflug.com/en/jet-fighter-flights/aircraft/l-39-albatros.html |archive-date = 6 January 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>[https://www.flyfighterjet.com/fly-l-39-in-california-usa "L-39 Flights Above the Californian Desert."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160411082814/https://www.flyfighterjet.com/fly-l-39-in-california-usa |date = 11 April 2016 }} ''flyfighterjet.com'', Retrieved: 17 April 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.flyajet.com/ "Fighter Jet Flights in the US, Russia & Europe."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406082307/http://www.flyajet.com/ |date = 6 April 2016 }} ''flyajet.com'', Retrieved: 17 April 2016.</ref> These L-39s are mostly in private hands, but some also belong to government agencies, such as those in Vyazma, Russia.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.vyazmarus.com/english/ourhistory.html |title = L-39 squadron Russ based in Vyazma – Official Website of Rus' L-39 Squadron / Flight School based at Vyazemskiy Aviacenter, Vyazma / Vjazma, Smolensk, Russia – Welcome – History of the Squadron |publisher = Vyazmarus.com |access-date = 29 December 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120227150923/http://www.vyazmarus.com/english/ourhistory.html |archive-date = 27 February 2012 }}</ref><ref name = "aero civil"/> In March 2018 there were five L-39s on the civilian register in New Zealand. One registered as an '''L-39''' <ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.caa.govt.nz/script/air-mod-list?Model_ID=1402 |title = Air Mod List – Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand |website = www.caa.govt.nz |access-date = 3 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181011235231/https://www.caa.govt.nz/script/air-mod-list?Model_ID=1402 |archive-date = 11 October 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> and four others registered as '''L-39C'''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.caa.govt.nz/script/air-mod-list?Model_ID=1515 |title = Air Mod List – Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand |website = www.caa.govt.nz |access-date = 3 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190125004038/https://www.caa.govt.nz/script/air-mod-list?Model_ID=1515 |archive-date = 25 January 2019 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref>

Since 2004, the Defence & MRO Division of Aero Vodochody has performed a general maintenance, repair and modernisation program of civil-operated L-39s, as well as performing the demilitarisation of ex-military aircraft.<ref name="aero civil">[http://www.aero.cz/en/defence-mro/programs/l-39-civil-program/#scrollTo=obsah "L-39 Civil Program."] {{webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140521215342/http://www.aero.cz/en/defence-mro/programs/l-39-civil-program/ |date = 21 May 2014 }} ''Aero Vodochody'', Retrieved: 17 April 2016.</ref> Services offered to civil operators include life-extension programs, support for civil registration/certification, training of ground/flight crew, logistics and analysis, customization, routine inspection, condition-based maintenance support, and providing general expertise/consultancy work.<ref name = "aero civil"/>

==Variants== thumb|Aero L-39C Albatros, Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force thumb|Aero L-39C Albatros ( "103 BLUE"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aero L-39C Albatros, 103 BLUE |url=http://spotters.net.ua/search/?aircraft=Aero+L-39C+Albatros&reg=103+BLUE |website=spotters.net.ua}}</ref>), Ukrainian Air Force thumb|Aero L-39M1 Albatros, Ukrainian Air Force [[File:Bangladesh Air Force L-39 (4) (cropped).png|thumb|Bangladesh Air Force L-39ZA. Armed with GSh-23L cannon and Rocket pods]] ;L-39X-01 – X-07 :Five prototypes plus two static test airframes.<ref name="Lake p122">Lake 2000, p. 122.</ref> ;L-39C ''(C for Cvičná – training)'' :Standard basic trainer for Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and export. Originally designated L-39, but renamed L-39C when later variants appeared. Two pylons under wing. Approximately 2,260 built.<ref name="Lake p123-4">Lake 2000, pp. 123–124.</ref> ;L-39CM ''(CM for Cvičná modernizovaná – modernised training)'' :Slovak upgraded C version. ;L-39M1<ref>{{cite web |url = http://defpol.org.ua/site/index.php/uk/arhiv/information-analytical-review-of-the-military-news/255-issue-0917-70909 |title = Issue 09/10 |publisher=Defpol.org.ua |date = 13 September 2011 |access-date = 29 December 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717235456/http://defpol.org.ua/site/index.php/uk/arhiv/information-analytical-review-of-the-military-news/255-issue-0917-70909 |archive-date = 17 July 2011|url-status = live }}</ref> :Ukrainian upgraded C version with AI-25TLSh engines. The conversion is carried out by Odesaviaremservis and the first plane was ready in 2009. The upgrade of a further 7 L-39C's was planned.<ref>[http://www.ukrainebusiness.com.ua/news/312/Ukraine-Defense-Ministry-approves-upgraded-Soviet-trainer-aircraft-for-service.html]{{dead link|date=December 2011}}</ref> Only six L-39C were converted into L-39M1 by 2014<ref>Виктор Морозов. Авиация в боевых действиях на Юго-востоке Украины, весна – лето 2014 // "Авиация и космонавтика", № 10, 2014. стр. 34–42.</ref> ;L-39V ''(V for Vlečná – tug)'' :Single-seat target tug version for Czechoslovakia. Equipped to tow KT-04 target on 1,700 m (5,600 ft) cable. Prototype plus eight production aircraft built.<ref name="Lake p124">Lake 2000, p. 124.</ref> ;L-39ZO ''(Z for Zbraně – weapons)'' :Interim weapon trainer variant for export. Four pylons stressed for 500 kg (1,100 lb) (inboard) and 250 kg (550 lb) (outboard), with total external load of 1,150 kg (2,500 lb).<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8">Taylor 1988, pp. 47–48.</ref> First flew 25 June 1975, with initial deliveries to Iraq in 1977. 337 built.<ref name="Lake p125">Lake 2000, p. 125.</ref> ;L-39ZA :Significantly upgraded L-39ZO for armed training and light attack, employing sturdier landing gear, a higher payload (total 1,290 kg (2,844 lb))<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8"/> and notably provision for a GSh-23L 23-millimeter twin-barreled cannon attached in a conformal pod under the pilots' compartment, having a 150-round magazine within the airframe. Outer pylons wired to carry K-13 or R-60 air-to-air missiles. Two prototypes, with first flying on 29 September 1976. 208 aircraft delivered.<ref name="Lake p126-7">Lake 2000, pp. 126–127.</ref> ;L-39ZAM :Slovak upgraded ZA version. ;L-39ZA/ART :Thai version of L-39ZA with Elbit avionics. 40 built.<ref name="Lake p127">Lake 2000, p.127.</ref> ;L-39MS/L-59 :The Aero L-39MS is a second generation military trainer aircraft developed from the firm's earlier L-39. Compared to its predecessor, it featured a strengthened fuselage, longer nose, a vastly updated cockpit, and a more powerful (21.6 kN (4,850 lbf)) Lotarev DV-2 engine, allowing operation at higher weights and speeds (max speed 872 km/h (542 mph)).<ref name="Lake p118">Lake 2000, p.118.</ref><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%202290.html "Czechoslovakia: Aero L-39 Albatros."] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160506083643/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%202290.html |date = 6 May 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 21 August 1990. p. 36.</ref> First flight on 30 September 1986. It was later designated as the Aero L-59.<ref name="Lake p128">Lake 2000, p. 128.</ref> ;L-139 Albatros 2000 :Revised version with western avionics and 17.99 kN (4,045 lbf) Garrett TFE731-4-1T engine. Single prototype built.<ref name="Lake p129">Lake 2000, p. 129.</ref> ;L-159 :Further modernised advanced trainer/combat aircraft with more modern, western avionics and Honeywell/ITEC F124 engine.<ref name="Lake p130-1">Lake 2000, pp. 130–131.</ref> ;L-39 Skyfox :Modernised and upgraded version with Williams FJ44 engine, improved fuel system and avionics, planned to be introduced in 2018 under developmental name L-39NG.<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Vrublová |first1 = Tereza |title = Aero Vodochody introduces the L-39NG: the next generation of the legendary jet trainer |url = http://www.l-39ng.cz/media/news/aero-vodochody-dokoncuje-svou-restrukturalizaci-3/ |website = L-39NG Next Generation |publisher = Aero Vodochody |access-date = 4 September 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140904180401/http://www.l-39ng.cz/media/news/aero-vodochody-dokoncuje-svou-restrukturalizaci-3/ |archive-date = 4 September 2014 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> ;B.KhF.1 :({{langx|th|บ.ขฝ.๑}}) Royal Thai Air Force designation for the L-39ZA/ART.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref> ===Facsimiles=== Skyleader markets a carbon-fibre ducted-fan powered variant called the UL-39 Albi. It was conceived by a group at Czech Technical University in Prague,<ref name="bydan1">{{cite news |url=https://bydanjohnson.com/you-wanna-be-a-jet-pilot-check-out-ul-39/ |title=You Wanna be a Jet Pilot? Check out UL-39 |date=6 May 2016 }}</ref> and first flown in the Czech Republic on 4 April 2016.<ref name=nh1>{{cite magazine |magazine = Air-Britain Aviation World |publisher = Air-Britain |title = Aero Friedrichshafen |date = June 2016 |volume = 68 |issue = 2 |first = Nigel |last = Hitchman |issn = 1742-996X}}</ref><ref name="mj1">{{cite news |url=https://minijets.org/en/ducted-fans/ul-39-albi/ |title=UL-39 Albi - Minijets |date=29 August 2022 }}</ref>

==Operators== {{Main|List of Aero L-39 Albatros operators}} [[File:Bulgarian Air Force Aero L-39ZA Albatros Lofting-1.jpg|thumb|right|A Bulgarian Air Force L-39 Albatros]] [[File:Aero L-39 ZA of Slovak Air Force (reg. 1701), static display, Radom AirShow 2005, Poland.jpg|thumb|A Slovak L-39ZA (1701) in Biele Albatrosy colors at Radom Air Show 2005]] thumb|L-39C in civil use [[File:Aero L-39ZO Albatros et hotel.jpg|thumb|L-39ZO On display at Technik Museum Speyer hotel]] thumb|L-39 of the Royal Thai Air Force in 2013

===Current operators=== {{columns-list|colwidth=30em| * {{AFG}} * {{DZA}}<ref name="JanesList">{{cite web |last1 = Jennings |first1 = Gareth |title = Aero rolls out first L-39NG |url = https://www.janes.com/article/83773/aero-rolls-out-first-l-39ng |website = IHS Jane's 360 |access-date = 12 October 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181012194547/https://www.janes.com/article/83773/aero-rolls-out-first-l-39ng |archive-date = 12 October 2018 |location = London |date = 12 October 2018 |url-status = dead }}</ref> * {{ANG}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{ARM}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{AZE}} * {{BGD}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{BLR}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{BUL}}<ref>{{cite web |url = http://pan.bg/view_article-4-30161-V-DOLNA-MITROPOLIQ-POLETI-POLETI-POLETI.html |title = Flying Flying – Scramble |work = scramble.nl |access-date = 19 May 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151019130359/http://pan.bg/view_article-4-30161-V-DOLNA-MITROPOLIQ-POLETI-POLETI-POLETI.html |archive-date = 19 October 2015 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="JanesList"/> 12 L-39ZA * {{CAM}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{CAF}} <ref>{{cite news |title=Russia increasing material potential of Central African national army by supplying fighter jets – Manuel Nguema |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/05/23/russia-increasing-material-potential-of-central-african-national-army-by-supplying-fighter-jets-manuel-nguema/#:~:text=The%20Central%20African%20Armed%20Forces%20%28FACA%29%20now%20has,fighter%20jets%20were%20delivered%20to%20FACA%20by%20Russia. |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=4 June 2023 |agency=Daily post |date=23 May 2023|newspaper=Daily Post}}</ref> * {{CUB}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{CZE}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{DDR}} Withdrawn from use in 1990.{{Citation needed|date=November 2013}} * {{EGY}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{EQG}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{EST}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{ETH}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{FRA}} (The Breitling Jet Team currently uses nine L-39s) * {{GEO}} * {{GHA}} * {{HUN}} * {{IRQ}} * {{KAZ}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{KGZ}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{LBY}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{LTU}} (potential future L-39 Skyfox customer)<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{LAT}} (The Baltic Bees Jet Team currently uses six L-39s) * {{MLI}}<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.opex360.com/2022/08/09/le-mali-a-recu-au-moins-quatre-avions-dattaque-legers-l-39c-albatross-probablement-livres-par-la-russie/ |title = Le Mali a reçu au moins quatre avions d'attaque légers L-39C Albatross, probablement livrés par la Russie |work = opex360.com | date = 9 August 2022}}</ref> * {{MOZ}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{NLD}} (AEC Skyline currently uses five known L-39s) * {{NGA}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{PRK}} * {{ROM}} * {{RUS}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{SVK}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{SSD}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{TJK}} * {{THA}}<ref name="JanesList"/> L-39ZA/ART (Westernized version, equipped with Israeli avionics<ref name = "kiss 48"/>) * {{TUN}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{TKM}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{UGA}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{UKR}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{USA}} (The Patriots Jet Team currently {{when|date=March 2026}} uses six L-39s; The Black Diamond Jet Team currently uses six L-39s) * {{UZB}} * {{VNM}}<ref name="JanesList"/> * {{YEM}} }}

===Former operators=== * {{flag|Abkhazia}} Abkhazian Air Force<ref>Hoyle, Craig (2014). [https://www.scribd.com/document/360141392/World-Air-Forces-2015-pdf World Air Forces 2015]. Flightglobal Insight.</ref><ref name="World Air Forces 2026"/> * {{SYR}} The Syrian government of Al-Assad fell to rebels in late 2024, and the Syrian Arab Air Force was dismantled. It was re-established as Syrian Air Force, but the revolution, and the Israeli air strikes that followed it, wreaked havoc in the inventory of the Air Force. In late 2025, the World Air Forces publication by FlightGlobal, which tracks the aircraft inventories of world's air forces and publishes its counts annually, removed all Syrian Air Force's aircraft from their World Air Forces 2026 report. It is thus questionable if the Syrian Air Force has any flying aircraft in their inventory, and in particular, any L-39, as of December 2025.<ref name="World Air Forces 2026">{{cite report |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2025 |title=World Air Forces 2026 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=113841 |access-date=20 December 2025 |publisher=FlightGlobal }}</ref>

==Notable accidents and incidents== * On 26 September 1987, Mihai Smighelschi, a 21-year-old student of the Romanian Air Force Academy, flew an L-39ZA trainer to Turkey and requested political asylum. His aircraft was later recovered and onboard data recorders showed that he had flown no higher than {{convert|150|m|ft|abbr=on}} above ground at {{convert|700|km/h|abbr=on}} to evade radar detection. Smighelschi had less than 100 hours at the time, including high-school glider training, and less than 3 hours on the L-39ZA. Without satellite navigation or any maps, he had navigated a straight line over Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey using only ground marks and the memory of a map of Europe present at the Academy. He eventually landed in Kirklareli, Turkey, on a street near several jeeps that seemed to have American insignia, damaging the aircraft's front wheel and the nose.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://pilotmagazin.ro/2011/10/fuga-din-tara-a-elevului-pilot-mihai-smighelschi-cu-avionul-l-39-albatros-continuare/ |title = Fuga din tara a elevului pilot Mihai Smighelschi cu avionul L-39 Albatros |publisher = Pilotmagazin.ro |date = 22 April 2011 |access-date = 29 December 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111025031353/http://pilotmagazin.ro/2011/10/fuga-din-tara-a-elevului-pilot-mihai-smighelschi-cu-avionul-l-39-albatros-continuare/ |archive-date = 25 October 2011}}</ref> * On 24 January 2001, Atlas Air Founder, Chairman, and CEO Michael A. Chowdry was killed when his L-39 crashed into an open field near Watkins, Colorado, US. Also killed was ''The Wall Street Journal'' aerospace reporter Jeff Cole. Chowdry and Cole were making a planned flight from Front Range Airport.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3078/is_200103/ai_n7827258 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080801063359/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3078/is_200103/ai_n7827258 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 1 August 2008 |title = Atlas Air CEO Chowdry killed in crash.(Michael A. Chowdry killed in jet trainer crash)(Brief Article) |work= Air Transport World }}</ref><ref name="DEN01FA044">{{cite web |url = https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20010202X00390&ntsbno=DEN01FA044&akey=1 |title = NTSB Identification: DEN01FA044 |access-date = 1 January 2015 |last = National Transportation Safety Board |year = 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424094539/https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20010202X00390&ntsbno=DEN01FA044&akey=1 |archive-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> * On 2 June 2002, a brake failure on an L-39 landing at the Imperial War Museum Duxford caused the plane to run off the end of the runway and down an embankment onto the M11 motorway. The trainee pilot was killed when he ejected at ground level, but the instructor survived the accident and no vehicles on the motorway were involved.<ref>{{cite news |date = 3 June 2002 |title = Motorway reopened after jet crash |work = BBC News |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2021961.stm |access-date = 31 December 2011}}</ref> * On 6 December 2015, an L-39 crashed while attempting to take-off at Apple Valley Airport, California, US; the pilot Mike Mangold and his passenger were both killed on impact, followed by an ensuing fire on the ground.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Red-Bull-Pilot-Killed-In-L-39-Crash-225339-1.html |title = Red Bull Pilot Killed In L-39 Crash |work = avweb.com |date = 7 December 2015 |access-date = 7 December 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160106183233/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Red-Bull-Pilot-Killed-In-L-39-Crash-225339-1.html |archive-date = 6 January 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> * On 11 July 2019, Squadron Leader Naruephol Lertkuson died, when their Royal Thai Air Force L-39ZA engines malfunctioned while making a return trip to the airfield Wing 41 located at Chiang Mai International Airport in Chiang Mai, the flying officer Theerawat Khoonkhunthod ejected safely only sustained minor injuries.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 July 2019 |title= Air Force pilot killed in Chiang Mai jet training crash |url = https://thethaiger.com/news/chiang-mai/update-air-force-pilot-killed-in-chiang-mai-jet-training-crash#google_vignette}}</ref> * On 25 August 2023, Major Andrii Pilshchykov died, along with two other pilots, Major Viacheslav Minka and Major Serhii Prokazin, when their two Ukrainian Air Force L-39M1 trainers collided in the air performing a whifferdill turn maneuver during dogfight training near {{ill|Sinhury|uk|Сінгури}}, Zhytomyr Oblast.<ref name="KyivIndependent-names">{{cite web |date=27 August 2023 |title=Three pilots who died in mid-air collision identified by name |url=https://kyivindependent.com/three-pilots-who-died-in-midair-collision-identified-by-name/ |access-date=27 August 2023 |work=Kyiv Independent}}</ref> * On 13 September 2024, a Bulgarian Air Force L-39ZA crashed during an airshow rehearsal at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria. Both pilots Major Petko D. Dimitrov and 1st Lieutenant Vencislav A. Dunkin were killed on impact.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2024 |title=A military jet crashes in Bulgaria during a drill. Both pilots are killed |url=https://apnews.com/article/military-jet-crash-bulgaria-46e7faf0bcbd33a906f680593cc464f1 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> * On 22 July 2025, a privately owned L-39 crashed near Granite Falls, Minnesota, enroute from Alpine, Wyoming, to Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin, shortly after reporting engine trouble. Pilot David C. Dacus was killed and pilot Mark R. Ruff was injured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Paul |date=2025-07-22 |title=Identities released of man killed and the survivor in jet fighter trainer that crashed in Minnesota |url=https://www.startribune.com/plane-crash-granite-falls/601438420 |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=www.startribune.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display== [[File:Aero L-39 Albatros Sinsheim frontal.jpg|thumb|Aero L-39 mounted at the Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim]] ;Czech Republic * 230107 – L-39C on static display at the National Technical Museum in Prague.<ref>{{cite web |title = Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, s/n 0107 CEF, c/n 230107 |url = http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=119009 |website = Aerial Visuals |publisher = AerialVisuals.ca |access-date = 20 March 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170320234059/http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=119009 |archive-date = 20 March 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> * 230108 – L-39C on static display at Caslav Air Base in Čáslav, Central Bohemia.<ref>{{cite web |title = Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, s/n 0108 CEF, c/n 230108 |url = http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=113032 |website = Aerial Visuals |publisher = AerialVisuals.ca |access-date = 20 March 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170320234130/http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=113032 |archive-date = 20 March 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> ;Germany *Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.hobby-luftfahrt.de/cont/mus/museum_sins.htm |title = Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim |access-date = 14 May 2020 |work = hobby-luftfahrt.de |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200123160946/http://www.hobby-luftfahrt.de/cont/mus/museum_sins.htm |archive-date = 23 January 2020 }}</ref> ;Lithuania * 931531 – L-39C as 01 Blue on static display at the Lithuanian Aviation Museum in S. Darius and S. Girėnas Airport (EYKS) Kaunas.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.lam.lt/en/latest-news.html |title = News » Lietuvos aviacijos muziejus |last = www.itmarks.lt |website = www.lam.lt |access-date = 3 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181112233636/http://www.lam.lt/en/latest-news.html |archive-date = 12 November 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.airliners.net/photo/Lithuania-Air-Force/Aero-L-39C-Albatros/2294683?qsp=eJwtjUEKwjAQRe8yazclKNidHkAFvcCYfDWQtGEyAUvp3R2Cu8/j8f5Kfp4UX30sBTRSBYv/0I4KC+dK40qZp/Zir00gd0jkdGn5CTH76Ia9G8yus+h5MRJYcfIeRRH+/CqhywHV9/DbjgYbkFvf5A7GQ6wlcW9AOSbath+QxDQv |title = Aviation Photo #2294683: Aero L-39C Albatros – Lithuania – Air Force |website = Airliners.net |access-date = 3 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181204011324/http://www.airliners.net/photo/Lithuania-Air-Force/Aero-L-39C-Albatros/2294683?qsp=eJwtjUEKwjAQRe8yazclKNidHkAFvcCYfDWQtGEyAUvp3R2Cu8%2Fj8f5Kfp4UX30sBTRSBYv%2F0I4KC%2BdK40qZp%2FZir00gd0jkdGn5CTH76Ia9G8yus%2Bh5MRJYcfIeRRH%2B%2FCqhywHV9%2FDbjgYbkFvf5A7GQ6wlcW9AOSbath%2BQxDQv |archive-date = 4 December 2018 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> ;United States ; * 430405 – L-39C on static display at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Alabama.<ref>{{cite web |title = Airframe Dossier – AeroL-39, c/n 430405, c/r N82497 |url = http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=39949 |website = Aerial Visuals |publisher = AerialVisuals.ca |access-date = 20 March 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602205842/http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=39949 |archive-date = 2 June 2015 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> * 533526 – L-39C on static display at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California.<ref>{{cite web |title = L-39C "Albatross" |url = http://www.hiller.org/event/L39-albatross |website = Hiller Aviation Museum |access-date = 18 March 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170319022922/http://www.hiller.org/event/L39-albatross/ |archive-date = 19 March 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, s/n 68 red PSU, c/n 533526, c/r N139AF |url = http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=6562 |website = Aerial Visuals |publisher = AerialVisuals.ca |access-date = 20 March 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233850/http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=6562 |archive-date = 20 March 2017 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> * 131907 – L-39C on static display at the Teton Aviation Center in Driggs, Idaho.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=39674 |title = Aerial Visuals – Airframe Dossier – Aero L-39C Albatros, c/n 131907, c/r N439RS |last = Henniger |first = Mike |website = aerialvisuals.ca |access-date = 25 August 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170825105640/http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=39674 |archive-date = 25 August 2017 |url-status = live}}</ref> * 2314 – L-39ZO Airworthy and on rotating display at the Olympic Flight Museum in Olympia, Washington <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://olympicflightmuseum.com/aircraft/|title=Aircraft Collection – Olympic Flight Museum}}</ref>

==Specifications (L-39C)== thumb|Orthographically projected diagram of the Aero L-39 Albatros {{Aircraft specs |ref= ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89'',<ref name="Janes 88 p47-8"/> ''Aero Vodochody''<ref name="aero l39">[http://www.aero.cz/en/defence-mro/programs/l-39-program/#scrollTo=obsah "L-39 Program."] {{webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160418105838/http://www.aero.cz/en/defence-mro/programs/l-39-program/ |date = 18 April 2016 }} ''Aero Vodochody'', Retrieved: 17 April 2016.</ref> |prime units?= met  |crew= 2 |length m= 12.13 |length note= |span m= 9.46 |span note= |height m= 4.77 |height note= |wing area sqm= 18.8 |wing area note= |aspect ratio= |airfoil= NACA 64A012 modified<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1 = Lednicer |first1 = David |title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url = https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website = m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date = 16 April 2019}}</ref> |empty weight kg= 3,455 |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= 4,700 |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity= |more general=  |eng1 number= 1 |eng1 name= Ivchenko AI-25TL |eng1 type= turbofan engine |eng1 kn= 16.87 |eng1 note=  |max speed kmh= 750 |max speed note= at {{cvt|5000|m}} |max speed mach= |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh= |stall speed note= |never exceed speed kmh= 980 |never exceed speed note= / M0.8 |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed note= |range km= 1,100 |range note= |combat range km= |combat range note= (internal fuel) |ferry range km= 1,750 |ferry range note= (internal and external fuel) |endurance= two hours and 30 minutes (internal fuel), three hours and 50 minutes (internal and external fuel) |ceiling m= 11,000 |ceiling note= |g limits= |roll rate= |climb rate ms= 21 |climb rate note= |time to altitude= {{cvt|5000|m}} in 5 minutes |wing loading kg/m2= 250 |wing loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |thrust/weight= 0.37

|more performance= * '''Take-off roll:''' {{cvt|530|m}} * '''Landing roll:''' {{cvt|650|m}}  |armament= * Up to {{cvt|284|kg|0}} of stores on two external hardpoints |avionics= }}

==See also== {{External media|topic= |width=20% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-jtPTEt_Zk In-cockpit footage of an L-39 taking off and performing aerobatics] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAL8-8ybtaQ L-39 performing a solo display at the Wanaka 2012 airshow] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x1sQKWE1ok Excerpt from 1980s aerodynamics documentary]}} {{Portal|Aviation}} {{aircontent |related= * Aero L-59 Super Albatros * Aero L-159 ALCA * Aero L-39 Skyfox

==References==

===Citations=== {{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===

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==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070515232225if_/http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/aero_l39_albatros.htm Aero L-39 Albatros - Armed trainer and light attack aircraft]}}

L-39 Category:1960s Czechoslovak military trainer aircraft Category:Single-engined jet aircraft Category:Low-wing aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1968 Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear