View source for Aero L-59 Super Albatros

{{Short description|Military jet trainer}}
{{Distinguish|Albatros L 59}}
{{redirect|Albatros II|the fisheries research ship ''Albatross II''|USS Patuxent (AT-11)}}
{{Expand Czech|topic=transp|Aero L-39MS Albatros|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= L-59 Super Albatros
 |image= L-39 x-21.jpg
 |caption=The first prototype L-39MS designated X-21, is currently in the Odolena Voda Technological Institute as teaching material.
 |type= Military [[trainer aircraft]]<br />[[Counter-insurgency|COIN]]
 |manufacturer= [[Aero Vodochody]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= 30 September 1986
 |introduction=
 |retired=
 |status= Out of production, in service
 |primary_user= [[Czech Air Force]]
 |more_users= [[Egyptian Air Force]] <br />[[Tunisian Air Force]]
 |produced= 1986–1996
 |number_built= 80<ref name = "aero offic2013"/>
 |unit cost=
 |developed_from= [[Aero L-39 Albatros]]
 |variants= [[Aero L-159 Alca]]
}}

The '''Aero L-59 Super Albatros''' (also known as the L-39MS Albatros) is a military [[jet trainer]] produced by the [[Czechoslovakia]]n aerospace manufacturer [[Aero Vodochody]]. It was developed from the firm's earlier and highly successful [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39 Albatros]] series.

Being based on the L-39, it shares numerous similarities; in comparison to its predecessor, the L-59 featured a strengthened [[fuselage]], longer nose, a vastly updated [[cockpit]], advanced [[avionics]], and a more powerful [[Lotarev DV-2]] [[Turbofan|engine]]. First flown on 30 September 1986, it was procured by the [[Czech Air Force]], [[Egyptian Air Force]], and [[Tunisian Air Force]]; a total of 80 Super Albatros of three variants have been manufactured prior to the end of production. A further development would be produced as the [[Aero L-159 Alca]], a Westernised attack-orientated model that shared its fuselage configuration with the L-59.

In service, the L-59 has been largely used for training purposes. It has also been deployed in front-line light combat roles, such as to patrol the border between Libya and Tunisia around the height of the [[First Libyan Civil War]]. Furthermore, Tunisian Air Force L-59s also performed [[aerial reconnaissance]] and ground-attack missions against [[Ansar al-Sharia (Tunisia)|Ansar al-Sharia]] and [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb|al-Qaeda]]-linked militants in 2014.

==Development==
During the 1980s, the [[Czechoslovakia]]n aerospace manufacturer [[Aero Vodochody]] was keen to further develop their successful [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39 Albatros]], a trainer and light attack aircraft. It decided to produce a derivative with an improved fuselage, an elongated nose, and fitted with a more powerful [[Lotarev DV-2]] [[turbofan]] engine capable of generating up to 21.6&nbsp;kN (4,850 lbf) of thrust. The latter facilitated operations at higher weights, while the aircraft also had a higher maximum speed having risen to 872&nbsp;km/h (542&nbsp;mph)).<ref name="Lake p118">Lake 2000, p. 118.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%202290.html |title = Czechoslovakia: Aero L-39 Albatros |publisher = Flight International |date = 21 August 1990 |page = 36 |access-date = 25 June 2022 |archive-date = 6 May 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160506083643/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%202290.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> The new aircraft was also furnished with more capable avionics and a vastly updated cockpit, which included a [[head-up display]].<ref name = "aero offic2013"/><ref>{{cite book |last1 = Fredriksen |first1 = John C. |year = 2001 |title = International Warbirds: An Illustrated Guide to World Military Aircraft, 1914–2000 |publisher = ABC-CLIO |page = 5 |isbn = 9781576073643}}</ref> At first, the aircraft was designed to be exclusively a trainer, but after reconsideration it was decided it would be a light attack aircraft and trainers with the designation L-39MS (Modernization Super). Some time after conducting its [[maiden flight]] on 30 September 1986, the aircraft was redesignated as the ''L-59''. Export versions of the aircraft would also carry the L-59 designation.<ref name="Lake p128">Lake 2000, p. 128.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Proudové letouny Aero - část 3. |url=http://www.hitechweb.genezis.eu/aero3.htm |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=www.hitechweb.genezis.eu}}</ref>

During 1992, a dedicated single-seat [[attack aircraft|attack]] variant was proposed under the project name ''ALCA'' (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft); it was successfully marketed to the [[Czech Air Force]].<ref name="Stevenson 2016-09-16">{{cite web |last1 = Stevenson |first1 = Beth |title = Aero Vodochody produces new-build L-159 trainer for Iraq |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-vodochody-produces-new-build-l-159-trainer-for-429434/ |website = FlightGlobal |publisher = Flightglobal.com |access-date = 19 December 2016}}</ref> Designated [[Aero L-159 Alca|L-159A]], the first flight of this variant was conduct on 2 August 1997. It features mostly Western avionics, with systems integration undertaken by [[Boeing]]. Furthermore, a new two-seat trainer has been flown as the [[Aero L-159 Alca#L 159B|L-159B Albatros II]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://technet.idnes.cz/podivejte-se-na-vyrobu-cvicneho-letounu-pro-armadni-piloty-p43-/vojenstvi.aspx?c=A070419_223149_tec_reportaze_rja |title = Podívejte se na výrobu cvičného letounu pro armádní piloty |publisher = technet.idnes.cz |date = 17 May 2007}}</ref>

By 2013, Aero's official website stated that the L-59 was no longer in production or available from the company. Services provided for the type included the provision of spare parts, service-life extensions, special repairs, overhauls, modifications and upgrades.<ref name = "aero offic2013">{{cite web |title = L-39 Albatros / L-59 Super Albatros |url = http://www.aero.cz/en/l-59-training-and-light-attack-aircraft.html |work = Aero Vodochody |access-date = 21 February 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130126054754/http://www.aero.cz/en/l-59-training-and-light-attack-aircraft.html |archive-date = 26 January 2013 }}</ref>

==Operational history==
Initial deliveries of the L-59 were made to the [[Czechoslovak Air Force]], who briefly operated a small fleet of six L-39MS prior to the nation's separation into the [[Czech Republic]] and [[Slovakia]]; consequently, these aircraft were divided between the [[Czech Air Force]] and the [[Slovak Air Force]].<ref name="Lake p128"/> The L-59's most numerous operator, and its first export customer, was the [[Egyptian Air Force]]; a total of 69 L-59E aircraft would be delivered to the service.<ref name = "flight 1995"/> Early Egyptian operations encountered poor engine reliability; this matter let to a contract to the American aerospace firm [[AlliedSignal]] to produce an improved digital engine control system.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/improved-digital-engine-control-system-ordered-for-egypts-l-59s/18473.article |title = Improved digital engine control system ordered for Egypt's L-59s |publisher = Flight International |date = 26 November 1997}}</ref> The type had reportedly been intended for use as a lead-in-fighter trainer for the service's [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]] and [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] fleets, and were equipped to be armed with Eastern-supplied weaponry. However, the Egyptian Air Force L-59s saw little use, allegedly being placed into storage around 1999.<ref name = "steps aero">{{cite web |url = https://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/the-39s-steps |title = The 39's steps... |publisher = timesaerospace.aero |date = 27 February 2018}}</ref>

During the early to mid 1990s, various export opportunities were pursued by Aero Vodochody for the L-59, complimenting its continued sales efforts with the L-39 predecessor.<ref name = "flight 1995"/> One opportunity pursued was the [[Royal Australian Air Force]]'s lead-in fighter-trainer requirement, an effort which would ultimately be unsuccessful. There were also proposed variants, such as the L-59F, that were to be provisioned with equipment from overseas suppliers, such as avionics from the [[Israel]]i company [[Elbit]], and adoption of the American-Taiwanese [[Honeywell/ITEC F124]] turbofan engine in place of the Lotarev DV-2 of earlier variants.<ref name = "flight 1995">{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/the-albatros-evolves/16491.article |title = The Albatros evolves |publisher = [[Flight International]] |date = 3 May 1995}}</ref>

In 1995, deliveries of L-59Ts commenced to the [[Tunisian Air Force]], a total of 12 were delivered to the service.<ref name="Lake p129"/><ref name = "malta 2021">{{cite web |url = https://www.maltairshow.com/post/l-59-to-make-its-first-appearance-at-the-malta-international-airshow |title = L-59 to make its first appearance at the Malta International Airshow |publisher = maltairshow.com |date = 28 April 2021}}</ref> The type has been typically used for advanced pilot training and weapons training purposes, with a secondary focus on conducting light combat operations as well. During the [[First Libyan Civil War]] in 2011, Tunisian L-59s commonly flew armed patrol missions along the country's border with Libya.<ref name = "steps aero"/> During April 2014, a number of Tunisian L-59s performed multiple reconnaissance missions and [[counter-insurgency]] (COIN) strikes in support of major [[Chaambi Operations|military offensives in the border region of Mount Chaambi]] against [[Ansar al-Sharia (Tunisia)|Ansar al-Sharia]] and [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb|al-Qaeda]]-linked militants that aimed to destabilize Tunisia's [[Tunisian Revolution|transition to democracy]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://allafrica.com/stories/201404141763.html |title = Tunisia: Air Force Bombs Terrorist Camp in Mount Chaambi |publisher = allafrica.com |date = 11 April 2014}}</ref> In 2022, it was speculated that Tunisia's L-59T fleet would be rapidly replaced in the near future, the [[Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk]] has been suggested as a candidate.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.africaintelligence.com/north-africa/2022/01/12/boeing-swoops-into-military-training-jet-battle,109716084-art |title = Boeing swoops into military training jet battle |publisher = africaintelligence.com |date = 12 January 2022}}</ref>

==Variants==
;L-59
:Standard production version (six ''L-39MS'' for the Czechoslovak Air Force). Later, four aircraft were operated by the Czech Air Force, and two in the Slovak Air Force.<ref name="Lake p128"/>
;L-59E
:Export version for Egypt. 49 L-59s for the [[Egyptian Air Force]].<ref name="Lake p128"/>
;L-59F
:Proposed version furnished with an [[Elbit]]-supplied avionics package and powered by a [[Honeywell/ITEC F124]] engine.<ref name = "flight 1995"/>
;L-59T
:Export version for Tunisia. 12 L-59s for the [[Tunisian Air Force]].<ref name="Lake p129">Lake 2000, p. 129.</ref>

==Operators==
;{{CZE}}
* [[Czech Air Force]] – four inherited from the Czechoslovak Air Force.<ref name="Lake p128"/>
;{{Flag|Czechoslovakia}}
* [[Czechoslovak Air Force]] - six delivered between 1992-1993.<ref name="Lake p128"/>
;{{EGY}}
* [[Egyptian Air Force]] - 48 delivered between 1993-1994.<ref name="albatros">{{cite web| url = http://albatros.zuby-broumov.cz/Histore.html| title = History and Development}}</ref>
;{{SVK}}
* [[Slovak Air Force]] - two inherited from the Czechoslovak Air Force.<ref name="Lake p128"/>
;{{TUN}}
* [[Tunisian Air Force]] - 12 delivered between 1995-1996.<ref name="albatros" />

==Specifications (L-59E)==
[[File:Lotarev DV-2 Kosice.jpg|thumb|right|Lotarev DV-2 turbofan engine]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–94''<ref name="Janes 93 p64-5">Lambert 1993, pp. 64–65.</ref>
|prime units?= met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew= 2
|capacity=
|length m= 12.20
|length ft=
|length in=
|span m= 9.54
|span ft=
|span in=
|span note= (including tip tanks)
|height m= 4.77
|height ft=
|height in=
|wing area sqm= 18.80
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=

|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg= 4,030
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note= (includes gun)
|max takeoff weight kg= 7,000
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|fuel capacity= {{convert|1537|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}} including tip tanks
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[ZMKB (Progress) DV-2|Lotarev DV-2]]
|eng1 type= [[turbofan]]
|eng1 kn= 21.57<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|power original=
|thrust original=
|more power=

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh= 865
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note= at {{convert|5000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed kts=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|stall speed kmh= 185
|stall speed note= (flaps down)
|range km= 2,000
|range miles=
|range note= at {{convert|7000|m|ft|abbr=on}} (with maximum internal and external fuel)
|combat range km=
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m= 11,800
|ceiling ft=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin= 5,510
|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->

|guns= one [[GSh-23L]] cannon in under-fuselage pod
|hardpoints= four underwing hardpoints
|hardpoint capacity= inner hardpoints {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}capacity, outer hardpoints {{convert|250|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=
* [[Aero L-159 Alca]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[BAe Hawk]]
* [[IAR 99|IAR 99 Şoim]]
* [[Mikoyan MiG-AT]]
* [[Soko G-4 Super Galeb]]
* [[Yakovlev Yak-130]]
* [[PZL I-22 Iryda]]
|lists=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* Lake, Jon. "Aero L-39 Albatross family: Variant Briefing". ''World Air Power Journal'', Volume 43, Winter 2000. London:Aerospace Publishing. pp.&nbsp;116–131. {{ISBN|1-86184-055-1}}.
* Lambert, Mark (ed.). ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–94''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}.

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061007024941/http://www.aero.cz/main.php?pageid=28 Aero Vodochody Product Page]

{{Aero Vodochody aircraft}}

[[Category:1990s Czech and Czechoslovak attack aircraft]]
[[Category:1990s Czech and Czechoslovak military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1986]]
[[Category:Aero Vodochody aircraft|L-59 Super Albatros]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]