Code 1 Aviation is pleased to announce that we have test-flown our new evolution of the L-39. We call it the L-39X. The L-39X combines the best of both worlds: It's the iconic, beautiful L-39 airframe that you've come to know and love, coupled with the economical power of a US-built Garrett/Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engine. After more than a year of development work, we have recently completed an FAA-mandated Phase 1 flight test program. During this phase, the airplane was flown through an extensive series of evaluation flights, first to verify its safe airworthiness, then progressing into envelope expansion, systems evaluation, and finally culminating in performance data collection. More evaluation flights will be conducted shortly, but we wanted to share some preliminary numbers with you. The results with the current 3700-lb thrust "Dash 3" version of the engine are very interesting, to say the least. In short, the aircraft appears to burn 10-15% less fuel in cruise flight than a stock L-39 at similar True Airspeeds. Alternatively, you can set the same fuel flow as a stock L-39 and cruise at a significantly faster True Airspeed! The new engine installation is clean, simple and straightforward. We have removed the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) and the Saphir (APU), simplifying both the aircraft's systems and the pilot's operating procedures. Because the airplane is 300-400 pounds lighter than a stock L-39, and because the new engine is putting out its full rated thrust (unlike many of the original engines), we have seen shorter takeoff rolls and sustained climb rates averaging 4,000 feet per minute up through 10,000' MSL. The climb rates at higher altitudes average 2,500 feet per minute even up in the Flight Levels. Engine acceleration and available thrust occur nearly instantly with movements of the throttle -- there's almost no "fan-lag," and the engine accelerates from idle to full power in 3-4 seconds. Our test pilot says it's like a whole different airplane. We think this new engine installation will be a game changer for the L-39. It turns a great airplane into an extraordinary one. Contact us for more information. Code 1 Aviation is pleased to announce that we have test-flown our new evolution of the L-39. We call it the L-39X.The L-39X combines the best of both worlds: It's the iconic, beautiful L-39 airframe that you've come to know and love, coupled with the economical power of a US-built Garrett/Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engine.After more than a year of development work, we have recently completed an FAA-mandated Phase 1 flight test program. During this phase, the airplane was flown through an extensive series of evaluation flights, first to verify its safe airworthiness, then progressing into envelope expansion, systems evaluation, and finally culminating in performance data collection. More evaluation flights will be conducted shortly, but we wanted to share some preliminary numbers with you. The results with the current 3700-lb thrust "Dash 3" version of the engine are very interesting, to say the least.In short, the aircraft appears to burn 10-15% less fuel in cruise flight than a stock L-39 at similar True Airspeeds. Alternatively, you can set the same fuel flow as a stock L-39 and cruise at a significantly faster True Airspeed! The new engine installation is clean, simple and straightforward. We have removed the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) and the Saphir (APU), simplifying both the aircraft's systems and the pilot's operating procedures. Because the airplane is 300-400 pounds lighter than a stock L-39, and because the new engine is putting out its full rated thrust (unlike many of the original engines), we have seen shorter takeoff rolls and sustained climb rates averaging 4,000 feet per minute up through 10,000' MSL. The climb rates at higher altitudes average 2,500 feet per minute even up in the Flight Levels. Engine acceleration and available thrust occur nearly instantly with movements of the throttle -- there's almost no "fan-lag," and the engine accelerates from idle to full power in 3-4 seconds. Our test pilot says it's like a whole different airplane.We think this new engine installation will be a game changer for the L-39. It turns a great airplane into an extraordinary one. Contact us for more information.
The Xtraordinary L-39X. Available only from Code 1 Aviation!