Aero Vodochody L-159 ALCA

First flying in 1997, the L-159A Advanced Light Combat Aircraft (ALCA) is a single-engine subsonic combat aircraft developed from the L-59 Super Albatross trainer. Locally developed in the Czech Republic by Aero Vodochody as a domestic low-cost fighter to replace several Soviet-era types in Air Force service, namely the MiG-23BN, Su-22 and Su-25. A two-seat trainer version designated as the L-159B was also developed, this was later developed into the L-159T1 for Iraq. A number of L-159s which were retired by or in storage with the Czech Air Force have been sold to private military contractors to provide aggressor air services as the L-159E. This includes Draken International who use a fleet of L-159Es based at Teesside airport to provide aggressor air services to the Royal Air Force. Draken calls the L-159E the Honey Badger.

The Czech Air Force initially ordered 72 aircraft but made a decision to only operate a fleet of 24 aircraft, placing the rest into storage or selling them to private operators. All L-159A’s currently in service have recently been upgraded to PP16 specification allowing the pilots to use Night Vision Goggles. In addition to a small fleet of L-159T1 and L-159T1+ two-seat trainers (the latter having the same combat capability as the L-159A), the Czech Air Force currently flies a fleet of 16 L-159A ALCAs.

The Czech Air Force will be sending a single ALCA to take part in this year’s Air Tattoo on static display. The ALCA will be provided by 212 Tacticka Letka (212th Tactical Squadron) which is based at Caslav Air Base.

Photo Credits: Duncan Mackellar