The NATO-compatible two-seat L159B is due to fly this summer as
the Czech air force continues to take delivery of single-seat L159As.
Some 72 are on order, but the last few might be delivered as two-seaters.
Dubbed ALCA--for advanced light combat aircraft--the L159 features
a Honeywell military F124-GA-100 turbofan engine, and state of the
art avionics integrated by Boeing. The fighter type cockpit instrumentation
is based on head up and color multifunction displays as well as
HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick). The new aircraft also features
comprehensive data and video recording systems allowing extensive
mission debriefing and rehearsal.
Aero Vodochody offers a basic low flyaway price of $8.5 million,
which it says it can achieve thanks to low Czech labor rates and
the experience of manufacturing 2,900 of the L159's predecessors,
the L-39 and L-59.
This guaranteed price, according to Aero Vodochody, cannot be
matched by any of the L159's competitors, such as the BAE Hawk.
The L159, however, is a new aircraft even though it retains the
look and uses a few aerodynamic components of its family line.
Boeing owns a 35% stake in Aero Vodochody through its Czech subsidiary,
Boeing Ceska. As such, the L159 has the support of the world's largest
aerospace company, Aero Vodochody points out. It is here at FIDAE
2002 in Hall C, Booth 141.
