Aero finished assembly of first L-159T1 for CZAF

29/01/2007 | AERO Vodochody a.s. (AERO) has finished assembly of the first out of a total of four two-seat training L-159T1 aircraft (s/n 6069) for the Czech Air Force (CzAF). The assembly comprises of complete equipment with all devices and primary verification of some of its systems.

AERO Vodochody a.s. (AERO) has finished assembly of the first out of a total of four two-seat training L-159T1 aircraft (s/n 6069) for the Czech Air Force (CzAF). The assembly comprises of complete equipment with all devices and primary verification of some of its systems.

“We have started the 6069 aircraft systems checks. The maiden flight is planned for March 2007. It will be followed by development, certification and operation-evaluation tests, and at the end of 2007, all four two-seat units should be delivered to the CzAF,” said Peter Ondro, AERO President adding that the contract with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic represents valuable reference, which significantly increases marketing chances of the L-159 aircraft on foreign markets.

The process of systems checks will first include verification of all cables and wires, which will be followed by measuring the values of individual aircraft systems. Afterwards, navigation, communication, display and data recording devices and electric systems as a whole will gradually be powered up and tested. After filling the aircraft with all necessary fuels, oils and gasses, compulsory tests of the hydraulic, fuel and air systems will be carried out, compass will be calibrated. The engine test will then check the parameters of the engine and its related systems. After meeting the compulsory tests and measuring, the aircraft will be prepared for flight.

AERO Vodochody a.s. signed the contract on four rebuilt L-159 aircraft, related spare parts delivery, ground support equipment and documentation, and schooling of the ground and flight personnel with the Ministry of the Czech Republic on June 26, 2006.