In an announcement late Friday, the Defense Department said the Air Force had awarded a contract worth $355 million to Sierra Nevada Corp. for 20 light air-support aircraft.
A press release issued late today from Sierra Nevada Corporation and Embraer Defense & Security confirms the USAF contract to supply aircraft, training and support to the Light Air Support program.
The A-29 Super Tucano is to be built in Jacksonville, FL with over 70 U.S. companies to supply parts and services. Eren Ozmen, President, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), and Luiz Carlos Aguiar, CEO, Embraer Defense and Security (Embraer), today announced that the U.S. Air Force has selected SNC, partnered with Embraer, to supply Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft to be used as part of the U.S. government's partner building efforts in Afghanistan and other nations. The A-29 Super Tucano will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations according to the companies release.
-A-29 Super Tucano, SNC/Embraer image-
As specified by the Air Force, SNC is being awarded a firm-fixed price delivery order 0001 contract in the amount of $355,126,541 for the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft and associated support. The initial demand is for 20 LAS aircraft together with ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment.
-T-6ATexan II, USAF image-
According to Aviation Week's, Fred George article, the Hawker's AT-6 LAS bid, a beefed up and more powerful version of its T-6 Texan II trainer, faced stiff competition from the Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano fielded through Sierra, during the LAS competition. The AT-6 is a newcomer to counterinsurgency warfare and the LAS program would have been its first opportunity for combat experience.
The A-29 Super Tucano was built specifically for counterinsurgency missions and is currently used by six air forces and on order by others. The more than 150 units now in operation around the world have logged over 130,000 flight hours, including more than 18,000 combat hours without any combat loss according to the release.
A-29 Super Tucanos will be built in Jacksonville, FL by American employees with parts from American companies. Aircraft training will be provided in Clovis, NM. More than 70 U.S. suppliers in 21 states will supply parts or services for this contract. At least 1,200 U.S. jobs will be supported through this contract. -Staff Report FMI: A-29 Super Tucano