The new Skyfox moniker can be seen displayed on the air intake of the L-39, in this computer-generated image released by the manufacturer. (Aero Vodochody)
Czech airframer Aero Vodochody has given its L-39NG advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft the designation and name L-39 Skyfox.
Announced on 16 October, the name was assigned six years after the latest variant of the L-39 series was first rolled out in October 2018.
“The name L-39 Skyfox perfectly reflects the essence of the Aero training aircraft,“ Viktor Sotona, chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Aero, said. Previous Aero aircraft have included the A-18 Starling, L-29 DelfĂn (Dolphin), and L-39 Albatros (Albatross).
“Why was the plane named fox? This beast is perfectly suited to the aircraft due to its nature and behaviour. It may not be the strongest animal in the forest, but it is extremely adaptable, persistent, resourceful, takes care of its young like an airplane takes care of its pilots, and when it comes down to it, it can bite hard,” Aero said.
Compared with the baseline L-39, the latest-variant L-39 Skyfox features a more powerful Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine, a wet wing, a modern cockpit, and a lighter airframe than its predecessor. It is equipped with five hardpoints (compared with two for the baseline L-39) to carry a range of payloads and has the option for a gun pod. According to Janes All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production, the L-39 Skyfox has a top speed of 420 kt, a payload of 1,200 kg, an endurance of 4.5 h, a range of 1,400 n miles, and a service ceiling of 38,000 ft. It is reported to cost less than USD10 million to procure.
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