A-29 Light Attack Aircraft
The A-29 is an ideal light attack aircraft solution. With an active production line and low operation and sustainment costs, the A-29 can easily transition into the field to enhance warfighter support and bring greater value and affordability to the customer. Built to perform from unimproved runways in austere environments & rugged terrain, it is combat-proven and selected by 14 air forces worldwide. Cost effective with low maintenance footprint, it is the only aircraft in its class with a U.S. Military Type Certificate.
In addition to its combat record, the A-29's robust landing gear and enhanced clearance enable take-off and landing in even the most austere field conditions. The aircraft also offers exceptional dependability and accuracy in weapons delivery, making it highly effective in the light attack role.
The A-29 is assembled in Jacksonville, Fla., with support from U.S. employees and companies in over 20 states. Should the USAF decide to procure a light attack fleet based on the Light Attack Aircraft (LAA) experiment, this would create additional production in the U.S. to build the new A-29s based on exact specifications and capabilities of the USAF.
The A-29 is a proven combat aircraft that can be procured and operated at a fraction of the cost of other fighter/attack aircraft. A clean sheet design, the A-29 can provide close air support and other missions in permission and semi-permissive environments. To date, the A-29 Super Tucano has been selected by 14 air forces on three continents and holds an excellent performance record: More than 360,000 flight hours: and more than 46,000 combat hours. With more than 150 certified load configurations, it is equipped with advanced electronic, electro-optic, infrared and laser system technologies, as well as secure radio systems with data links and unrivaled munitions capacity.
The A-29 is a proven combat aircraft that can be procured and operated at a fraction of the cost of other fighter/attack aircraft. Cost-per-flight-hour is significantly less than all other aircraft in its class, as well as all legacy aircraft in inventory, making it an ideal fit for a Light Attack squadron. The aircraft’s proven record of success and flexibility ensures a smooth transition into this experiment while addressing budget pressures expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The A-29’s advanced avionics, communications and additional capabilities are similar to that of 4th and 5th generation aircraft, allowing the USAF to mature and season its pilots effectively at reduced cost.
The A-29 is the only aircraft in its class with U.S. Military Type Certification and has been operationally employed. The military certification allows for a swift, low-risk, combat-proven solution that the USAF is already operating under a foreign military sales (FMS) effort.
On 04 September 2018 Sierra Nevada Corp., Centennial, Colorado, was awarded a ceiling $1,808,000,000 indefinite-delivery / indefinite quantity contract for potential procurement, sustainment, modifications, ferry, and related equipment for the A-29. Work will be performed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia; and Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazari Sharif Air Bases, Afghanistan. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. This contract involves foreign military sales to Afghanistan. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. This contract is funded by appropriated Afghanistan Security Forces funds. Funds in the amount of $115,478 are being obligated at the time of award on delivery order 0001 for a site survey in Afghanistan. The contracting activity is the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (FA8637-18-D-6003). The Defense Department projected the Afghan Air Force would receive 25 A-29s in total.
On February 06, 2019 Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and its partner, Embraer Defense & Security, were awarded a contract to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force. The aircraft will be produced in Jacksonville, Florida and modified in Centennial, Colorado. The aircraft are expected to be delivered to Nigeria in line with the contract timelines, as part of a larger more comprehensive training and support package. The contract for the Nigerian Air Force 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.
"SNC is proud to work with our partner, Embraer Defense & Security, to build A-29s in support of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing their training and security needs," said Taco Gilbert, Senior Vice President of ISR, Aviation and Security (IAS) at SNC. "The combat-proven A-29 is designed and built for the mission in Nigeria. It's the most reliable and cost-effective solution for basic and advanced flight and combat training, close air support operations, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), counterinsurgency and irregular warfare scenarios."
"The A-29 Super Tucano has become the global reference for light attack and advanced training with a proven track record in several combat zones around the world", said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "Embraer welcomes Nigeria as the latest member of this true international coalition that is helping bring peace to the world."
The A-29 is conducting combat missions on a daily basis in theaters around the world. It has more than 46,000 combat hours and more than 360,000 total flight hours. With the Nigeria order, the A-29 is the choice of 14 air forces worldwide.
After participating in the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Capability Assessment of Non-Developmental Light Attack Platforms in 2017 and phase II in 2018, SNC and Embraer Defense & Security are proud that the A-29 Super Tucano is being considered for the Light Attack initiative. We are proud to have showcased the A-29’s superior capabilities during both phases with regard to seamless integration into the USAF network, and are confident that the USAF will find that the American-built A-29 is not only a first-rate combat aircraft, but is a great value to the U.S. taxpayer in the savings it generates in training and combat, and in the extension it provides to the service lives of other fighter aircraft. We look forward participating in the draft request for proposal (RFP) with the end goals of accomplishing the light attack mission and making true impacts to the acquisition process.
The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on more expensive fourth and fifth generation fighter fleets for contested fights. Deploying these assets for low-end missions in uncontested theaters increases operation & sustainment costs (O&S) and reduces platform life. Lower O&S costs associated with a non-development light attack platform save money when fighting in permissive environments, including insurgencies. This directly addresses the DOD’s growing O&S challenge.
A non-development light attack platform provides pilots with additional flight training time in combat missions at a lower cost, building pilot proficiency. The program would allow pilots to refine tactics, techniques and procedures in a time where increased O&S costs are reducing pilot flight time & proficiency. Funding a U.S. Air Force (USAF) light attack aircraft creates opportunities for joint training with Special Operations, U.S. Army and Marine Corps ground forces that is not currently available due to the lack of available aircraft.
SNC, together with its partner Embraer Defense & Security, was invited to participate with the A-29 Super Tucano in two USAF experiments, in the summers of 2017 and 2018. Should the USAF procure a light attack aircraft, officials have said it would sustain fighter fleets. Using a new light attack aircraft, like the A-29, would extend the life and reduce maintenance costs of other military aircraft now entering service like the F-35.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a trusted leader in solving the world's toughest challenges through advanced engineering technologies in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and Defense and National Security. With applications including navigation and guidance, communication and surveillance systems, electronic warfare, aircraft systems and telemedicine, SNC provides state-of-the art solutions to military and commercial customers around the world. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America's fastest growing companies.
Leader in the aerospace and defense industry of Latin America, Embraer Defense & Security offers a complete line of integrated solutions such as C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence Center) applications, leading edge technologies in the production of radars, advanced information, air traffic control and communication systems, integrated systems for border monitoring and surveillance, as well as military and government transportation aircraft. With a growing presence on the global market, Embraer Defense & Security products are present in more than 60 countries.
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