Czech company Aero Vodochody has unveiled its concept for the new version of the L-159 light-attack trainer aircraft, the F/A-259, at the Farnborough Airshow.
The Striker is part of a collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) which has seen the trainer being equipped with new avionics and wet-wing capabilities. Aero Vodochody also expects to achieve increased exposure through IAI’s international market reach, particularly in the US market where it hopes to bid for a US Air Force light-attack aircraft contract.
If given the opportunity to compete, the Czech Firm has indicated it is open to offering either the F/A-259 or the modernised L-39NG, and it is willing to manufacture the aircraft in the US if selected.
The F/A-259 has new avionics, a wet wing, and an option of either Elta Systems' EL/M 2032 mechanically scanned or EL/M 2052 active electronically scanned array radar, replacing the Leonardo-made Grifo radar that is on the current L-159. Either option can be applied, depending upon the needs and budget of each individual customer.
The question has naturally arisen as to whether partnering with an Israeli company will pose a challenge when it comes to doing business in the Middle East. CEO Giuseppe Giordo has said this is not an issue as, should a customer object to Israeli technology, his firm is able to find alternatives.
There are plans to roll out a midlife upgrade for operational L-159s in the next four to five years, and Aero Vodochody is in discussions with the Czech government as to what this will entail. The new radars or the wet-wing capability of the F/A-259 could be one possible upgrade, alongside a new engine configuration. Giordo added that a midlife upgrade could also be offered to the Iraqi Air Force, which currently uses the existing model.