Aero Vodochody and Saab sign deal to develop commonality between L-39NG and Gripen

Saab Aerospace and Aero Vodochody have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to look at the adaptation of the Czech company’s L-39NG trainer/light attack aircraft to create greater commonality with Gripen JAS 39 multirole fighter aircraft. The companies will keep an eye on Hungary which operates Gripens and is buying L-39NG.

The work will look at the feasibility of aligning the two aircraft and explore the possible adaptation of L-39NG to meet the needs of the Hungarian Air Force.

The companies said the primary objective of the cooperation, where Saab has the role of subcontractor to Aero, was to conduct a feasibility study for a modification of the L-39NG aircraft to enable Hungarian pilot training from basic to advanced training.

“The results of the first phase of the collaboration will be subsequently used for a comprehensive joint study aimed at developing a new pilot interface and avionics system for the L-39NG aircraft to make it compatible with the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft,” the companies said.

The two companies have previously worked together. In 2008, they entered into a collaboration on the L-159 combat and training system and, in 2009, Aero began supplying the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft with pylons used to carry various weapon systems or fuel tanks.

In 2011, the cooperation continued with the production of three more types of pylons, which were fully assembled and tested at Aero.