Draken International to Offer Next Generation Upgrades for Aero L-39 Aircraft

LAKELAND, Fla., April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In an exclusive partnership with Aero Vodochody and Williams International, Draken International is now offering next generation upgrades on L-39 aircraft in the Americas. Based in Lakeland, FL, Draken International is a leading provider of tactical flight support as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The L-39 upgrade program, or L-39NG upgrade, enables owners of Aero Vodochody L-39 aircraft in the Americas to implement a number of powerful enhancements to deliver significant improvements in performance, technological capability, aircraft availability and safety.

The L-39NG upgrade adds many modern and advanced capabilities that are critical for 21^st century aviation. The key new feature is the light and fuel-efficient Williams International FJ44-4M engine, which delivers improved performance at speed, range and endurance. Further, a new electric starter allows the original APU to be removed with all its components, saving considerable weight. In the cockpit, new digital instruments are added as well as OEM overhauled ejection seats with fresh pyro. Additionally, a full IRAN of all major systems brings the aircraft up to current OEM compliance.

The upgrade offers numerous benefits:

• Decreased fuel consumption by approx. 15%
• Decreased maintenance costs – "Support by the hour" program fully covers scheduled maintenance, unscheduled maintenance, and foreign object damages
• Improved acceleration time – 3-5 seconds from idle to max vs. 9-12 seconds on existing AI-25TL engine
• Quicker maintenance turnaround – Major periodic inspections of FJ44-4M take 4 weeks vs. 4-6 months for overhaul of original AI-25TL engine
• Decreased aircraft weight by approx. 330 lbs. due to lighter engine and removal of heavy APU and balance weight

Draken International CEO Jared Isaacman states, "As operators of numerous L-39 aircraft for contract air services, we know that it is a very capable aircraft platform, with excellent maneuverability, adaptability and overall performance. The L-39NG upgrade program represents the next generation of this remarkable aircraft and we are excited to bring this program to the Americas."

Draken is officially launching the L-39NG upgrade program at the Sun N' Fun International Fly-In & Expo starting April 21, 2015 in Lakeland, FL.

In addition to being the exclusive provider of the L-39NG upgrade program in the Americas, Draken also entered into an historic agreement with Aero Vodochody last year which established Draken as the first Aero Vodochody approved maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation in the US. That agreement also gave Draken exclusive rights to market the L-39NG, Aero L-159 and future derivatives to customers in North and South American as well as undertake a portion of the aircraft manufacturing process in the United States.

For additional information on the L-39NG upgrade program, visit www.L39NG.com.

About Draken International
Based in Lakeland, FL, Draken International has set a new standard in tactical flight support. With a fleet of over 70 tactical fighter aircraft, the company owns and operates the largest privately-owned fleet of ex-military aircraft in the world. This fleet is used to support various types of military training objectives around the globe, providing a tremendous cost savings over the use of traditional military fighter assets. For additional information, visit www.drakenintl.com.

Contact:
Sean "Stroker" Gustafson
VP, Client Relations
Tel: 800-936-4079 ext. 703
Fax: 305-503-6790
[email protected]

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SOURCE Draken International

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