IAI's Lahav division signed a agreement with Avirs, owned by the Ukrainian Air Force; Progress; and Motor-Sich.
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) will cooperate with several Ukrainian companies in upgrading airplanes. The airplanes will be offered to customers around the world. IAI's Lahav division signed a agreement with Avirs, owned by the Ukrainian Air Force; Progress; and Motor-Sich to upgrade the L-39 training aircraft.
The Ukrainian Air Force plant has accumulated know-how in operating these Czech-manufactured trainers, while the other two companies specialize in the planes' engines.
The consortium's upgrade includes improvements in the trainer's systems and engine, and the integration of advanced avionics systems, based on know-how accumulated by Lahav in other aircraft upgrading projects. The avionics package includes an advanced cockpit, head-up display, radar, central computer, flight debriefing system and satellite navigating system.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on September 19, 2002