Embraer and SNC Team Up for Groundbreaking A-29 Super Tucano Venture
Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, and SNC, a worldwide expert in aerospace and national security, announced today at the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Air, Space & Cyber Conference that they have established an agreement for the procurement of one A-29 Super Tucano aircraft by SNC. This deal is taking place ahead of an upcoming Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
SNC’s timely commitment to this aircraft allows the firms’ international partner to quickly initiate pilot training once the anticipated contract is confirmed. Additionally, it expedites the timeline to Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by up to a year. The aircraft will be manufactured at the Embraer defense production facility located in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the past decade, SNC and Embraer have collaborated to deliver nearly 50 of these versatile combat aircraft to air forces globally.
“It is with great pride that we observe the A-29 produced in the United States continuing its successful legacy. The Super Tucano provides unmatched light attack and multi-mission capabilities that are effective and economical to meet the requirements of U.S. and Allied Forces. Simultaneously, we are confident that our collaboration with SNC, which has lasted over ten years, will continue to grow as more FMS customers become aware of the increasing demand for this level of capability,” expressed Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Defense & Security.
“SNC is renowned for making early and consistent investments in the initiatives we believe will enhance progress and efficiency for the warfighter,” stated SNC Senior Vice President of Strategy and Technology, Ray Fitzgerald. “By actively pursuing this aircraft, we are excited to provide quicker IOC and extended training periods for the pilots set to operate this aircraft. We have long recognized the benefits of the A-29 Super Tucano, and with the rising global demand for FMS, we are thrilled to keep supplying this exceptional aircraft to the U.S. and its allies while looking forward to the continuation of our enduring partnership with Embraer.”
The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile and formidable turboprop aircraft acclaimed for its robust and resilient structure, allowing it to perform missions from unimproved runways and at forward operating bases in demanding environments and rough terrain. It stands as the foremost leader in its category, boasting over 600,000 flight hours logged.
The A-29 Super Tucano fulfills a wide array of missions, comprising advanced pilot training, close air support (CAS), aerial reconnaissance, air interdiction, JTAC training, armed intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), border surveillance, and air escort. Due to this exceptional combination of capabilities and operational versatility, along with its cost-effective life cycle, the Super Tucano has been adopted by 22 air forces worldwide. Recently, the companies delivered three A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA) mission for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
The A-29 Super Tucano ranks as the most efficient multi-mission aircraft in its class, equipped with advanced technology for precise target identification, weapon systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capabilities are further enhanced by sophisticated human-machine interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated within a sturdy airframe that can operate without extensive infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft features reduced maintenance requirements and provides an exceptional level of reliability, availability, and structural strength along with low life cycle costs.
