Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has reached a significant agreement to acquire an A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer. This move comes ahead of a pending US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract, which is still awaiting approval from the State Department and Congress. The specific country interested in the aircraft has not been publicly identified.
By opting for an early purchase, SNC aims to expedite pilot training, allowing it to commence as soon as the contract is finalized. This strategy could potentially shorten the timeline for integrating the aircraft into operational service by as much as a year.
Production of the A-29 Super Tucano will occur at Embraer’s defense facility located in Jacksonville, Florida. Frederico Lemos, chief commercial officer of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed optimism regarding the deal, highlighting the importance of the A-29’s continued success in the United States. He remarked on the ongoing relationship with SNC, noting that their collaboration, which spans over a decade, is expected to grow as more FMS customers recognize the need for such capabilities.
The A-29 Super Tucano has a proven track record, with over 290 units ordered globally, amassing more than 600,000 flight hours, including approximately 60,000 in combat operations. It is currently utilized by 22 air forces around the world, with notable users including Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria, Portugal, and the United States.
In the course of their decade-long collaboration, Embraer and SNC have successfully delivered nearly 50 Super Tucano aircraft to various international clients.
The A-29 Super Tucano is notable for its design as a turboprop aircraft specifically engineered for light attack missions, close air support, reconnaissance, and pilot training. Its versatility allows it to operate in challenging environments, capable of taking off from short or unpaved runways.
The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine, delivering around 1,600 horsepower, enabling it to achieve speeds up to 320 knots (368 miles/593 kilometers per hour) and operate at altitudes reaching 35,000 feet. With a range of 720 nautical miles (829 miles/1,333 kilometers), the A-29 is designed for operational effectiveness over significant distances.
Measuring 36 feet (11 meters) in both length and wingspan, the Super Tucano can be equipped with various armaments, including machine guns, cannons, precision-guided bombs, and both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. Furthermore, it boasts advanced features such as computerized weapons systems, secure communications, modern navigation capabilities, night vision technology, and high-resolution sensors, making it well-suited for combat missions and pilot training scenarios.
