Article Posted on : - Jan 02, 2012

The A-29 Super Tucano. An Embraer photo

SAO PAULO (BNS): Brazilian aviation major Embraer has won a US Air Force contract to supply the A-29 Super Tucano jets under the Light Air Support (LAS) programme.

Under the firm-fixed price contract, worth $355 million, Embraer, in partnership with US' Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), will deliver 20 Super Tucanos to the USAF, the company announced on December 30.

The deal also includes ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment, it said.

The jets 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," Luiz Carlos Aguiar, CEO of Embraer Defense and Security, said.

“We are committed to pursuing our US investment strategy and to delivering the A-29 Super Tucano on schedule and within the budget," he said.

The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29, is a turboprop jet designed for light attack, counter insurgency and pilot training missions, incorporating modern avionics and weapons systems.

The aircraft is currently used by five air forces and on order by others.