Do zteče!

Text Zdeněk Nožička

Illustration: Antonis Karydis

Cat. No. 7047

„Do zteče ostře!“ ("Attack hard!") This is how the pilots of Czech L-39s, conducting combat test  firing, asked by radio the ground controller for permission to launch unguided rockets, fire a cannon or drop bombs. As the controller was usually designated a flying personnel, he was located within the firing range area at a safe distance from the impact area but within sight of it during the firing. The leader of the pair, after receiving clearance from the controller, only issued the instruction "Ready" to the wingman pilot. The rockets were then fired simultaneously by the pilots on the instruction "Fire!" by the leader. Subsequently, the rocket controller made an immediate assessment of the accuracy of the hits and then informed the pilots by radio.

The military areas of Jince, Libava and Boletice were used for such rocket tests. Each live firing was very important for the pilots. Especially for the necessary acquisition of the pilot class and thus confirmation of the achievement of combat skills on a given type and of course proper financial evolution in the form of an increase in the pilot's monthly salary.

For ground personnel, aerial gunnery tests have always meant a higher workload than everyday duty. Especially for the armourers. On the day of preliminary preparation, they concentrated their efforts, in addition to the preparation of the aircraft and the testing of the weapon systems, on the hanging of the rocket pods and the actual preparation of the aerial weaponry. The aircraft flew mostly armed with a combination of the GS-23 cannon along with S-5 rockets, or the GS-23 cannon along with bombs. Because of the complexity of this training, range flights were scheduled in weekly blocks.

The training missions of armed Albatros flying on the range had important safety specifics. For example, the armorers performed the arming of the aircraft only as the last specialty in line, when the radio operators and avionics specialists, along with the aircraft technician, had already completed their preparations. Warning flags were placed in front of and behind the aircraft during weapons loading. This meant that no ground personnel or airport security assets were allowed in these areas. Once the aircraft was armed, only the pilot and his technician could approach it.

After landing the aircraft back at the base, the pilots taxied to the designated "discharge point" and pointed the aircraft in a safe direction. At this point, a pair of armourers were already waiting to check the "safety" of the weapons used while the engine was running. In practice, this meant that no rocket could be left in the rocket pods and no rounds could be left in the air cannon. Otherwise, the pilot was informed of the balance of ammunition in the weapon. This was the signal for him to shut down the engine. The armourers then began troubleshooting.

The boxart of the new Eduard kit, shows just the moment when a pair of Albatroses launches unguided S-5 rockets from UB-16 rocket pods over one of the aforementioned shooting ranges. Outside of the rocket pods, the aircraft is equipped with a pair of additional fuel tanks, in order to extend its operational range (the ability to perform several runs in succession) in the shooting range area.

The livery of the boxart Albatros shows its appearance in the last stage of service with the 222nd Training Squadron in Náměšt' nad Oslavou. During its service at this base, it was lovingly cared for by the aircraft technician Michal F., who is now an Eduard employee and designer of the camouflage schemes and decals. Logically, the realization of the schemes for this kit fell to him and his 3903 was not to be missed in the selection. In addition, this aircraft carried several shades of paint it received during various maintenance and revisions, but still carried the original factory livery. This makes its markings attractive for modellers. During service with the 222nd Training Squadron, this Albatros received a slight addition in the form of stripes applied to the vertical stabilizer. There is a humorous story associated with these stripes which is mentioned in the kit’s instruction sheet.

Just for completeness, let us add that the aircraft was produced in October 1986 and made its last flight from the Čáslav airport on 24.10.2016. From the above it follows that its duty was terminated after 30 years of service due to the exhaustion of its technical service life. During this service it flew 3600 flight hours.