Markings for L-39C Albatros 1/72
L-39CM, s/n 915254, 2 Fighter Squadron, 81 Wing, Slovak Air Force, Sliač AFB, Slovakia, 2022
Albatros with fuselage number 5254 is a modernized CM variant operated by the 2 Tactical Squadron of the 81 Wing based at Sliač airbase. In 2011, the aircraft underwent an overhaul, during which it received a new grey camouflage, which includes cabin silhouette of a darker shade grey on the underside of the fuselage. The last overhaul of the aircraft took place in early June 2020 and the L-39CM No. 5254 became the last Albatros in Slovakia, overhauled jointly by Letecké opravovne Trenčín (Aviation Repair Shop Trencin) and Aero Vodochody. On May 4, 2022, a motif commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the famous Czechoslovak pilot S/Ldr Otto Smik was applied to the vertical tail surfaces.
L-39C, No. 0445, Pardubice, Czech Republic, 2023
On April 1, 2004, a new organizational unit of LOM PRAHA, Centrum leteckého výcviku (Flight Training Centre), was established. The state-owned company leased eight L-39C aircraft (Nos. 0103, 0113, 0115, 0440, 0441, 0444, 0445 and 0448) from the Czech Armed Forces for the advanced training of military pilots. At the turn of 1999 and 2000, all eight of these aircraft underwent overhaul and modernization, as they received a completely new forward fuselage section into which the original equipment was installed. This provided the Army with aircraft technically equivalent to the 53rd series and with a full service life. A new camouflage consisting of three shades of grey was also applied as part of the overhaul. During the R3 revision, which took place between 2016 and 2019, the aircraft then received new insignia in “flag” form.
L-39C, No.16, Russian Navy Air Force, 859 TsBP, Yeysk AB, Russia, 2018
The L-39C remains the backbone of the Russian Air Force’s jet trainer fleet. After graduating from one of the three aviation academies, flight training during the third year of studies begins on these aircraft, and by the fourth year, trainees are divided into fighter, attack and tactical bomber or transport/long-range aviation, with training continuing on the L-39. This L-39C served in the ranks of the Russian Naval Air Force (AVMF-RF) at the Yeysk base. Albatros RF-34122 with blue fuselage number 16 was assigned to the 859 Naval Aviation Combat Use and Crew Training Center (859 TsBP i PLS MA VMF). On October 19, 2018, it crashed during a low-level training flight over the Sea of Azov, killing both crew members. Unconfirmed sources state that one of the pilots died after ejection, while the other did not eject from the aircraft.
L-39C, s/n 533229, No. 77, Ukrainian Air Force, 299 brTA, Kulbakino AB, Nikolaev, Ukraine, 2015
After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, 1,202 L-39s were to remain in Russia and the rest were divided among the new independent states. When the Ukrainian Air Force was established in 1992, it operated 708 L-39s, making the country the second largest operator in the world. The poor financial situation of the entire army has reduced their number considerably and in 2005 less than 200 were in service. The remaining Albatroses were stored and offered for sale. The Ministry of Defense decided to modernize the L-39C with indigenous systems and assets. There are three versions of the upgrade (M1, M2 and M3), which denote different levels of modernization. Eight upgraded aircraft were delivered by 2014, but half of them were captured by Russia after it occupied Crimea in March 2014. With two major overhauls of the aircraft in Odessa and Chuhuiv, Ukraine became a master of L-39 overhauls, leading to many Ukrainian Albatroses being exported.
L-39C, No. 20, Kazakhstan Air Force, Taldykorgan AB, Kazakhstan, 2012
The Sunkar is one of the two aerobatic groups of the Kazakh Air Force. The Kazakh term Sunkar means “Falcon” and the group uses L-39 Albatros aircraft. It was formed in the fall of 2010 and has been given six L-39s. In March 2011, it made a name for itself at the International Exhibition of Arms and Military Technical Equipment (KADEX) in Astana and demonstrates its skills every year during the celebration of Air Force Day. The Kazakhstan Air Force operates a total of 18 L-39 aircraft. In 2020/2021, six of these L-39s underwent upgrades at Aero Vodochody, during which the aircraft received modern avionics equipment, including a pair of MFDs. The aircraft are in service at the Kazakh Air Force training center in Balkhash.
L-39C, s/n 131904, OK-JET, Czech Jet Team, airport Plzeň-Líně, Czech Republic, 2004–2014
This aircraft was produced by Aero Vodochody in 1981 as part of the 19th production series as the C1 version. It was delivered to the Soviet Union together with 35 other aircraft of this series. It served at the Ukrainian Chernigov Air Base as “Yellow 53” and was flown by members of the Soviet space program group in addition to military pilots. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the aircraft remained with several hundred other Albatroses in Ukraine but was only stored and ready for sale. In September 2002, it was bought by a Pilsen aviation enthusiast and in February 2003 the dismantled aircraft was transported by truck to the Plzeň-Líně airport. In cooperation with Aero Vodochody, work was carried out on demilitarization of the aircraft, necessary repairs and modifications of systems and avionics. Instead of the original 100 litre wingtip tanks, 230 litre ones of the same type as used on the L-59/L-159 were installed. On July 12, 2003, the aircraft passed its first engine test and on July 7, 2004, it took to the air for test flight. On the same day, the aircraft was registered by the Civilian Aviation Bureau in the register of aircraft in the Experimental category under the matriculation OK-JET. The official entry into service of the first private-owned Czech Albatros took place on July 13, 2004. The L-39 Albatros OK-JET aircraft in its unmistakable glossy black paint with yellow accessory has been a welcome visitor of the airshows since then and has performed many adventurous flights.