The Aero L-39 Albatros is the successor of the Aero L-29 Delfin. It was the eastern block standard jet trainer. The L-39 was used by all Warzaw Pact countries except Poland. It was produced in Czech Republic by Aero Vodochody. Today more than 2800 L-39 are in service with more than 30 air forces around the world.
First flight on November 4, 1968 by Aero chief pilot Rudolf Duchon with the second prototype X-02. The popular training jet has been produced between 1968 and 1999.
The L-39 was mainly used as trainer aircraft, but in other versions also as light surveillance and light ground attack aircraft.
After the disintegration of the Eastern Block and the end of the USSR, many L-39 Albatros have been sold because if financial problems of the former communist countries. The L-39 became a popular warbird among private owners, especially in the United States. It is even used in service at western air forces. It is known from movies like Lord of War and James Bond (Tomorrow Never Dies, piloted by Aero test pilot Ladislav Snyder). Today many former training aircraft of that type are in private hand and available for L-39 rides
The aircraft type is also in service with the Breitling Jet Team.
The original article can be found at L-39 Albatros and the edit history here.