Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody has announced that the first L-159T2 advanced jet trainer ordered by the Czech Air Force conducted its maiden flight on 2 August.

According to the company’s statement, the first of three new L-159T2 two-seat advanced jet trainers ordered by the Czech Air Force made its maiden flight on August 2, 2018, at Aero Vodochody Airport.

The successful first flight of L-159T2 with tail number 6028, piloted by Aero’s test pilots Vladimír Kvarda and David Jahoda, lasted 30 minutes. “Aero achieved another important milestone. Thanks to this cooperation with our national customer, the L-159 program got additional features. Based on requirements of the Czech Air Force, we will deliver additional twin seaters that are suitable for not only advanced pilot training but are also equipped for military operations,” said President & CEO of Aero Vodochody Giuseppe Giordo.

These new T2 twin seat aircraft have newly built central and forward fuselage, several significant improvements, mostly in equipment of both cockpits and in the fuel system, and are fully NVG compatible. Each cockpit is further equipped with two Multi Function Displays and upgraded version of an ejection seat VS-20.

The aircraft is also adapted to offer a pressure refueling capability. The Grifo radar, commonly used in single seat version, is now integrated also into the dual seat L-159T2 as well as the self protection systems (countermeasures and radar warning receiver).

The L-159 aircraft  is operated by Czech Air Force, , Iraqi Air Force and US company Draken International. In the past, L-159s were leased by Hungarian Air Force to train pilots.