Aero L-29 Delfin
NATO: Maya
Overview
L-29 Delfin
Russian L-29 Delfin seen on the runway in 2014.
Source: Aleksandr Markin -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Czechoslovakia
East Germany
Description
Introduction
The L-29 Delfin is an early Cold War era jet trainer of Czechoslovak origin. It was developed to train pilots in flying jet aircraft and has a secondary weapons trainer and light strike role. The L-29 was produced in large numbers and was one of the most successful weapon system designed and produced in the Warsaw Pact.
Design
The L-29 Delfin seats trainer and trainee in a tandem cockpit configuration. Like many first generation jet aircraft the wings are straight and not sloped rearward. A single turbojet engine provides thrust. There is an air inlet in each wing root. Avionics are basic, there is no radar. A single hardpoint under each wing allows for armament or an external fuel tank.
Firepower
There is no internal gun on the L-29. The hardpoints are rated at a maxiumum 120 kg of armament or a 150 L fuel tank. The most common type of armament are a FAB-100 freefall bomb or a R57-4M quadruple launcher for 57mm S-5 aerial rockets.
Mobility
The L-29 is a jet trainer, but operates at speeds normally associated with higher end propeller aircraft. The turbojet engine provides up to 8.7 kN of thrust and has no afterburner. Maximum speed at ground level is 605 km/h. Cruise speed is 545 km/h.
Variants
Users
The L-29 Delfin was produced in large numbers, over 3.600 were produced in a decade. It was the primary jet trainer of the Soviet Union and many Warsaw Pact nations. Many Soviet allies acquired the L-29 under finance of the USSR. In Africa and the Middle East the L-29 was often used as a light strike aircraft.
Media
L-29 Delfin
Several Georgian air force L-29 Delfin jet trainer aircraft lined up on the tarmac.
Source: Marcus Fülber
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
L-29 Delfin
Forward view of Russian L-29 Delfin jet trainer aircraft.
Source: Aleksandr Markin
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
L-29 Delfin
Russian L-29 Delfin seen in the air in 2014.
Source: Aleksandr Markin
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
L-29 Delfin
Former East German air force L-29 Delfin jet trainer on display in a museum, seen in 1990. Note the four tube rocket pod under the wing.
Source: Rob Schleiffert
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license