KITS 10/2023

L-39CM, s/n 915301, 2 Fighter Squadron, 31 Fighter Wing, Slovak Air Force,

Sliač AFB, Slovakia, 2012

The Albatros with serial number 5301 is

a modernized CM variant operated by the

2 Fighter Squadron of the combined wing based

at Sliač AFB. Before the modernization, it carried

the number 0443 (s/n 530443) and was a wellknown aircraft belonging to the Biele Albatrosy

team. In 2012, the aircraft underwent a major

overhaul during which it received a new gray

camouflage. As part of the new scheme, the

silhouette of the cockpit was included on the

underside. After the modernization, it received

a new serial number 915301 and the national

markings were applied to commemorate the 90th

anniversary of the birth of famous Czechoslovak

pilot S/Ldr Otto Smik. Currently, only three

L-39CMs (5252, 5253, and 5301) are in operation;

the remaining two were retired in 2011.

L-39C, Iraq Air Force, Iraq, 1986

After the USSR, Iraq became the second foreign

user of L-39 aircraft and the first customer to

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INFO Eduard

receive the ZO version. Iraqi L-39Cs were used in

flight schools in Rashid and Tikrit.

October 2023