Live Firings Cap Three-Year Program

Last week, AERO Vodochody a.s. completed the final tests of a significantly upgraded version of its Czech VS-2 ejection seat by conducting two live ejections over Sazena airfield.

The ejections, which took place in flight October 28 using a modified L159B aircraft, put an end to a three-year joint development project between the Czech manufacturer and VZLU -- Aeronautical Research and Test Institute. The program also included several ground firings.

"By finishing the tests, we are closing the last stage of the VS Upgrade Development Project," said AERO Conceptual Design Manager Petr Raska in a company release. "I do not see the success only in gaining a new top-class product comparable with current world trade, which increases technical quality and the quality of AERO military aircraft and indirectly also their sale potential."

Raska added, "The VS Upgrade Project represented a pilot project utilizing special-purpose support to research and development form the state budget via the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO). By successful completion of this Project, AERO proved meaningfulness and effectiveness of MPO grant projects for further development of Czech aircraft industry."

FMI: www.aero.cz