10/16/2005. Remarks by
Malcolm V Lowe: "One of the world's great aviation museums
is the Letecké Muzeum (Aviation Museum) at Kbely airfield,
just outside Prague in the Czech Republic. In the outside display
areas at Kbely, on display in 2004 from the Museum's reserve
collection was an early example of the Aero L-29 Delfin (Dolphin)
two-seat jet trainer.
The Museum has several L-29 versions in its
collection, but this particular aircraft is unique because it was the
first L-29 to fly. Actually the second prototype, it first flew in
April, 1959. Bearing the registration OK-70, it was powered by a
British turbojet engine, a Bristol Siddeley Viper. Production models
of the L-29 were subsequently powered by the indigenous M-701
turbojet.
OK-70 was parked outside between the Museum's Halls A and B
under a temporary open-ended shelter, which gave it some protection
from the local weather (which can be quite hair-raising at times). It
is generally in very good condition although not airworthy."
