Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Embraer Defense & Security released photographs and videos of the first batch of six of 12 A-29 Super Tucano Counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft departing the United States in July for delivery to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Nigerian Air Force A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircrafts depart Moody Air Force Base in the United States in July for final delivery to the government of Nigeria. This is the first six of a total of 12 aircraft scheduled for delivery this year.
In April 2017, the United States indicated that it would be moving forward with a deal to sell up to 12 of the aircraft for up to US$600 million, ending delays that had been caused by human-rights concerns. In August 2017, the US Department of State had approved of the sale of 12 aircraft and associated supplies and weapons. In November 2018, Nigeria purchased 12 Super Tucanos from Sierra Nevada for $329 million, six of which are to be fitted with forward-looking infrared systems. The contract includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment, alternate mission equipment, contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support and field service representatives for OCONUS support.The aircraft are scheduled to be completed in May 2024.
The Embraer A-29 EMB 314 (English: Super Toucan; About this soundpronunciation), also named ALX or Super Tucano, is a Brazilian turboprop light attack aircraft designed and built by Embraer as a development of the Embraer EMB 312 Tucano. The A-29 Super Tucano carries a wide variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions, and was designed to be a low-cost system operated in low-threat environments. In addition to its manufacture in Brazil, Embraer has set up a production line in the United States in conjunction with Sierra Nevada Corporation for the manufacture of A-29s to export customers.
The A-29 is the only light attack and counter-insurgency aircraft in the world with a U.S. Air Force Military Type Certificate. Built in the U.S. by Sierra Nevada Corporation and its partner, Embraer Defense & Security, the A-29 has been selected by 16 air forces worldwide including Afghanistan and Lebanon. The A-29 is a versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft and is known for its rugged and durable design, which allows it to perform operations from unimproved runways and at forward operating bases in austere environments and rugged terrain. The A-29 Super Tucano is the gold standard for light attack, combat and reconnaissance aircraft.
Embraer Defense & Security is the leading aerospace and defense industry in Latin America. In addition to the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer and the multi-mission C-390 Millennium military airlift, it provides a full line of integrated solutions and applications such as Command and Control Center, radars and space. This also includes integrated systems for information, communications, border monitoring and surveillance as well as aircraft for authorities’ transportation and special missions. With a growing presence on the global market, Embraer Defense & Security products and solutions are present in more than 60 countries.
Owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC is a trusted leader in engineering answers to the world’s toughest challenges, through customer-focused technologies and best-of-breed integrations in aerospace and defense and national security space. For nearly 60 years, SNC technology has delivered state-of-the-art civil, military and commercial solutions. SNC has received numerous awards and distinctions for innovation, customer satisfaction and leadership including being named a U.S. Best Managed Company for two consecutive years.
