A Czech Order for 72 Aircraft Has Launched Development of the Aero L-159 Light Attack Aircraft, an Advanced Single or Two Seat Version of the L-39 and L-59 Albatros. Aero Is Developing the L-159 in Partnership With Rockwell International, Who Is Responsible for Much of the Aircraft's Avionics and Alliedsignal/Itec, Supplier of the 6300lb (28kn) F124-Ga-100 Powerplant (a Non Afterburning Development of the Tfe1042 Which Powers the Taiwanese AIDC F-Ck-1 Ching-Kuo Fighter). Aero Vodochody's Major Shareholders, Czech Banks, Are Funding 75% of the L-159's $US52m Development Costs, With the Remainder Coming From the Czech Defence Ministry. Most of the Czech Aircraft Will Be Single Seaters, Although Some Will Be Two Seat Lead-in Trainers. The L-159 Is Also Being Offered for Export, With a Unit Price of Around $US6m. Australia Is a Prime Target for Two Seat L-159s, for the RAAF's Lead-in Fighter Programme. First Flight of the L-159 Was Scheduled for the Second Quarter of 1996 but Officials Now Hope to Bring This Date Forward. Pictured Is a Czech Air Force L-59. (Aero)