The Czech designed and produced Aero L-29 Delfin (translating to "Dolphin"; NATO designation of "Maya") series was a highly utilized Cold War jet trainer aircraft for the Soviet Union and its satellite states. The twin-seat aircraft was capable of speeds over 400 miles per hour and a ceiling of over 36,000 feet. Seeing large numbers, the L-29 was produced up until 1974 with many still in service in poorer military units around the world.
The single engine performer was built from two XL-29-designated prototypes - one fitted with a British Bristol Siddeley Viper turbojet engine and another fitted with an indigenous M 701 turbojet. Further development saw a three-way competitive fly-off occur against the Yak-30 design and the PZL Mielec TS-11 Iskra with the L-29 coming out ahead (Poland would go on to utilize the TS-11 trainer however). From there, the L-29 system would be fielded throughout the Soviet Bloc countries as the premiere jet trainer aircraft.
With two available underwing hardpoints, a light attack strike aircraft was designed that could carry gun pods, drop bombs and rockets. Specialized aerobatic performers were also devised from the existing base L-29 airframe and production of the entire L-29 series amounted to well over 3,600 strong.
Mission-specific ordnance can include any of the following (limited to two external underwing hardpoints):
2 x 7.62mm Gun Pods
2 x 220lb Drop Bombs
8 x High Explosive Light air-to-surface rockets
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Hardpoint Mountings: 2
XL-29 - Prototype series; first prototype fitted with Bristol Siddeley Viper turbojet engine; Second prototype fitted with M 701 turbojet powerplant.
L-29 - Base Series Designation; basic trainer.
L-29A - Delfin "Akrobat" - Acrobatic Performer.
L-29R - Dedicated Light Strike Aircraft Variant
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
Images Gallery
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Forward left side view of an abandoned L-29 in Iraq
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