The US Air Force announced that it has selected the A-29 Super Tucano, produced by Embraer Defense and Security, for the light air support (LAS) programme. The aircraft will be supplied in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) as the prime contractor, and will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations.

“This opportunity to serve the US Government with the best product for the LAS mission, under the leadership of the Sierra Nevada Corporation as the prime contractor, honors us,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “We are committed to pursuing our US investment strategy and to delivering the A-29 Super Tucano on schedule and within the budget.”

As specified by the Air Force, this is a firm-fixed price delivery order contract in the amount of $355 million for the LAS aircraft and associated support. Twenty LAS aircraft will be provided, as well as ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment.

The A-29 Super Tucano was built specifically for counter-insurgency missions and is currently used by five air forces and on order by others. It has proven extremely capable for LAS missions and is credited with helping the Colombian Government defeat the FARC and other governments counter-illegal activities. The 150+ units now in operation around the world have logged over 1,30,000 flight hours, including more than 18,000 combat hours without any combat loss.