A group of Belarusian service members (4 pilots and 18 technicians) are undergoing theoretical training dedicated to operation of Yak-130 jets at Zhukovsky-based personnel training center, BELTA reports with reference to Belarusian Ministry of Defense.
The ministry added that the high-skilled specialists able to assure proper operation of the new aircraft type were selected for the training. “It is planned that in late April Irkut Corporation will deliver four Yak-130 operational trainers to Belarusian air forces,” the ministry added.
Yak-130 jets will replace L-39 aircraft manufactured in Czech Republic.
Yak-130 is the two-seat next-generation operational trainer designed for initial and advanced pilot training by Yakovlev design bureau. The jet offers great maneuverability, cutting-edge avionics (similar to the avionics suites installed on the latest combat aircraft), high reliability and long service life. Yak-130 is the world’s only operational trainer to feature aerodynamic configuration and aircraft performance close to advanced fighters at subsonic speeds. The jet is capable of carrying 3 tons of payload (guided and unguided missiles and bombs, cannons, etc.) using nine weapon stations.











