Aero L-159 ALCA

Summary

Category	Training aircraft
Origin country	🇨🇿 Czech Republic
First flight	2 August 1997
Year of introduction	2000
Number produced	72 units
Average unit price	$9 million

Description

The L-159 is a light combat aircraft developed by Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic. It originates from the L-39 training aircraft family, but with numerous Western improvements and adaptations. The aircraft has benefited from cooperation with companies such as Boeing and Honeywell.

The L-159 has a similar silhouette to the L-39, but it is slightly larger and features a more powerful engine. Its 28 kN turbofan engine significantly enhances its performance compared to its predecessor. It is equipped with modern avionics, including a FIAR GRIFFO L Doppler multi-role radar and other Western electronic systems. It has been designed to be compatible with NATO standards, featuring a HUD, HOTAS controls, and a zero-zero ejection seat.

In terms of armament, the L-159 has several hardpoints for air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, and rockets. It can utilize standard armaments such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-65 Maverick. The aircraft's ventral pod can accommodate a 20 or 23 mm cannon pod, and other options such as electronic warfare and reconnaissance pods are also possible.

However, despite its qualities, the L-159 has faced difficulties in the market. The Czech Air Force, for economic reasons, has only retained a limited number of aircraft, and no exports have been announced thus far. International competition, especially from aircraft such as the Yak-130, Aermacchi M-346, and the South Korean T-50, along with the rise of the Chinese aerospace industry, have reduced the L-159's commercial prospects.

Therefore, while promising, the future of the L-159 remains uncertain. It potentially signifies the Czech aerospace industry's last combat aircraft, and its viability will depend on its ability to find markets and withstand fierce international competition.

Technical specifications

Version: L-159A
Crew	1 pilot
Operational range	2530 km (1572 mi)
Maximum speed	936 km/h (582 mph)
Wing area	18.8 m² (202.4 sqft)
Wingspan	9.5 m (31.3 ft)
Height	4.9 m (16.0 ft)
Length	12.7 m (41.7 ft)
Service ceiling	13200 m (43307 ft)
Empty weight	4350 kg (9590 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	8000 kg (17637 lbs)
Climb rate	62.0 m/s (203.4 ft/s)
Powerplant	1 × turbojet Honeywell F124-GA-100 delivering 2871 kgp