UL-39 Albi EU ultralight category ducted fan replica of L-39 Albatross

[Stan Cooper]

I first heard about this ducted fan "jet" six or seven years ago. It was being developed by students and faculty at Czech Technical University in Prague. It has been a long gestation period and still isn't ready for production, but it first flew in 2016 and made a big splash at AERO that year.

It's a pretty cool concept, and I hope it gets into production.

 

[WmInce]

Very cool.

 

[SoCal RV Flyer]

Neat! Sounds like a giant rc ducted-fan plane (which sounds like a hair dryer)

 

[alfadog]

They're doing so much cool stuff with aviation in Eastern Europe.

 

[evapilotaz]

Neat! Sounds like a giant rc ducted-fan plane (which sounds like a hair dryer)

My thoughts exactly

 

[Bull70]

ok

 

[SkyDog58]

ok

Awesome first post.

Welcome aboard.

 

[X3 Skier]

472 kg=1040 lb. Light Sport (except the gear)

I WANT ONE!

Cheers

 

[steingar]

I suspect a jet powered L-39 Albatross could be had for less coin...

 

[Stan Cooper]

I suspect a jet powered L-39 Albatross could be had for less coin...

Probably true, but it's an apples to oranges comparison. The Albi's performance doesn't come close to the L-39's, but the Albi's operating costs don't come close to the L-39's either.

 

[Velocity173]

$225K to go 140 kts and only 2 seats. Not something I’d be interested in. I’d take it over an Icon though.