L-39
As VX-9 Vandy 1
Progressive Photo Comp Feb. 18-21, 2007
The L-39 arrived from the
paint shop in NC here at Charlottesville Airport (CHO) for
inspection and measurements so that markings can be scaled
to the proper Mil Spec sizes for the NAVY VX-9 Vandy 1
markings. The
L-39 is the most popular jet warbird in the world, with over
300 believed to be actively flying in the USA
alone. The Czechoslovakian L-39
was built as the successor to their earlier trainer, the
L-29 Delfin. Design work began in 1966, and the first
prototype made its initial flight on 4 November 1968. The
idea of the design was to marry an efficient, powerful
turbofan engine to a sleek, streamlined fuselage, resulting
in a strong, economical performer which would become the
next standard jet trainer for the Warsaw Pact. Full-scale
production was delayed until late 1972 due to apparent
problems with the design of the air intakes, but these
difficulties were overcome and the type went on to be a
great success with the Soviet, Czech and East German air
forces, among others. Three main variants were
produced. The L-39C was built as a pure trainer and was used
by numerous air forces throughout Eastern Europe beginning
in 1974 and continuing through today. The armed
weapons-trainer variant is called the L-39ZA, and a
close-support and ground-attack version is called the
L-39ZO. In addition to those mentioned above, the L-39 has
been exported to numerous countries, including Afghanistan,
Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Iraq, Libya, Estonia, and
Kyrghyzstan. A modernized derivative of the Albatros, the
L-59, is still being built in the Czech Republic. Another
modernized, but very different version, the L-39MS, actually
has much more in common with the L-59 than the L-39, despite
its designation. Specifications:
Engine: One 3,792-lb thrust Walter Titan turbofan (Ivchenko
AI-25-TL built under Czech license by Motorlet).
Weight: Empty 7,340 lbs., Max Takeoff 11,618 lbs. (L-39ZO
with four rocket pods)
Wing Span: 31ft. 0.5in.
Length: 40ft. 5in.
Height: 15ft. 5.5in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed at 19,600 ft: 485 mph (Trainer version,
clean)
Maximum Speed at Sea Level: 435 mph
Ceiling: 37,730 ft. (Trainer, clean)
Range: 528 miles with internal fuel; 995 miles with external
tanks.
Armament (L-39ZO): Up to 2,425 pounds of weapons on four
underwing hardpoints, including bombs, 57- or 130-mm rocket
pods, gun pods, a five-camera reconnaissance pod, or two
fuel drop-tanks. Centerline point carried a pod-mounted
23-mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon with 180 rounds. Number Built:
2800+ Text used courtesy of
WarbirdAlley.com
The first step here is
the location and measuring of all the elements. Then paint
mask templates made prior to arrival Owner Pat Marsh checks
surface temps prior to painting while Paul Hager applies
masking. Here Gary Velasco
measures for the stripes on the stab. After all the paint mask
templates are in place the whole jet is covered with plastic
except for the areas The first color is a base
of white. This will make the dark insignia blue and red
stand out better in A view of the finished
white on the tail end. As can be seen, the
insignia blue is very dark and appears black in the photos.
The blue will get masked leaving the red sripes. Paul picks out the star
masks and preps for the red layer. Another angle of the blue
layered nose. A view of the tail with
the stars and stripes ready for masking. Left side of the L-39
picking out the insignia masking. Taking a break and
presenting owner Pat with a replica panel of the finished
markings for his office. L-R; Paul Hager, Gary
Velasco, Kenny, and Pat. Almost done. Stencelling
was cut previously and added here. There still needs Rescue
arrows, names and various other stencil markings. A closer look at the left
nose. This has to look its best since it will be the most
photographed side. The famous "Bunny tail"
is the signature marking for the "Vandy 1"
squadron. Absent in the intake red
markings is the lettering. Scheme is starting to
take shape and looking like NAVY is missing one of its
own. SWeeeeet......... A little buffing
please! The names and rescue
arrows have been added. Done! Just added the
"Fight's On" Naval aviator slogan to the stab
tips. Roll Out - March 31,
2007 Fuel top-off and pre
flight next. USN F-14 and F-18
instructor Cdr Scott "Jethro" Kelly and owner Pat Marsh
prepare for maiden flight in new colors. My flight was next.
Jethro demonstrated some major acro for my L-39 experience
pulling 5+ Gs. "For those about to
ROCK..." Class acts Pat Marsh and
primary pilot Cdr Scott Kelly, thanks guys for the
thirll. Gary and
Pat An overcast
day
are put in place. All markings were researched and DOD Navy
Mil Spec Tech Orders were used for this project.
All except for the velocity stripe is as all "Vandy 1"
aircraft. The nose stripe was added as per the owner's
request to
balance out the overall design scheme. As you will see, it
works well.
It was a bit cold in this building to be doing
this.
that will be painted. This is to prevent overspray and dust
from the finished surfaces.
black finish otherwise the insignia blue will not be seen
due to the black color.
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