Story ID: DP 8_17 L-159
Aero Flies Advanced L-159 Two-seater
By: David Donald
Caption: Aero has flown the first of three two-seat L-159T2s it is building for the Czech Air Force, which is also upgrading five more to the same standard
Word Count: 442
Aero Vodochody has recently revealed that it performed the first flight of the production L-159T2 on August 2. The version is an upgraded two-seater intended for service with the Czech Air Force (CzAF), which has ordered three for the 21st Tactical Air Base at Caslav. Test pilots Vladimír Kvarda and David Jahoda undertook the 30-minute maiden flight. Deliveries are scheduled for later this year.

The three L-159T2s are constructed around newly built central and forward fuselages, to which are mated refurbished L-159A wing and empennage assemblies. They are equipped to provide advanced training and combat capability. Key features are a Leonardo Grifo-L radar—as fitted to the single-seat L-159A ALCA (advanced light combat aircraft)—pressure refueling capability and “wet” wings for increased fuel carriage, new night vision goggle-compatible cockpit with two multifunction displays, and a self-protection suite with electronic countermeasures and radar warning receivers. Front and rear cockpits are decoupled, unlike in other two-seat versions. Upgraded VS-20 ejection seats are fitted.

Originally the CzAF procured 72 L-159As, which were built with two cockpit voids but had mission equipment installed in the rear space, but around one-third of the fleet was deemed surplus and was placed into storage. The corresponding L-159B two-seater, of which one prototype was produced, was not procured. Today, the CzAF operates around 16 L-159A ALCAs with 211 Squadron, and five L-159T1 trainers with 213 Squadron. The latter were produced by converting L-159As, with the radar removed and aft cockpit reinstated. The CzAF is upgrading its L-159T1s to T2 standard in a program expected to conclude by the end of 2019. Another L-159T1 was built from scratch for the Iraqi air force to augment its ex-Czech L-159A fleet.

Aero Vodochody is also proposing an upgrade for the CzAF’s L-159As with many of the features of the L-159T2, such as the NVG cockpit and “wet” wing, as well as targeting pod capability, refueling probe, and wingtip missile launch rails.

In addition to the two military operators, L-159s serve with Draken International in the L-159E version, also known as the Honey Badger. These aircraft, former CzAF L-159As, fly on adversary missions flown by contractors for U.S. military forces.

In the meantime, Aero and IAI are offering an advanced light attack version known as the FA-259 Striker. The proposed aircraft features Israeli avionics, including the option to mount an Elta radar. The project was announced during the Farnborough Air Show in July, following the forging of a marketing partnership between the two companies in April.