Embraer Defense & Security and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announce that the first A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft destined for the Nigerian Air Force has successfully completed the maiden flight at the Jacksonville, Florida (USA) factory. ). The Nigerian Air Force has ordered 12 aircraft.
The A-29 Super Tucano aircraft destined for Nigeria are currently being produced by Embraer and SNC in Jacksonville, with deliveries expected in 2021.
The Nigerian Air Force's first A-29 aircraft will be sent to Centennial, Colorado, where modifications to the mission systems will be carried out, as well as some final tests. Next, Nigerian Air Force pilots will be trained on the aircraft, in a step that precedes deliveries.
“This is a significant milestone in the production of the A-29 Super Tucano for the Nigerian Air Force. The Jacksonville production line is live and Embraer and SNC are confident that production of additional aircraft will be completed in the coming months.” said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“The aircraft met or exceeded all requirements and we are very satisfied as the flight was very successful”, said Ed Topps, vice president of Tactical Aircraft Systems and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance programs at SNC. "SNC and our partner Embraer are confident that the Nigerian Air Force will be very satisfied with these aircraft."
The A-29 Super Tucano has a proven combat history and is recognized as a benchmark of excellence in light attack and reconnaissance aircraft around the world. The aircraft was designed and built for missions such as Nigeria.
The Super Tucano is the most reliable and cost-effective solution for basic and advanced flying, as well as combat training, tactical air operations, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), armed surveillance, counterinsurgency and irregular war.
The aircraft has already been selected by 15 air forces worldwide for cost-effective tactical air and reconnaissance missions.
In December 2018, Embraer Defense & Security and SNC received an order for 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force. The contract includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission systems, spare parts, ground equipment, alternative mission equipment, contracted interim from the United States, logistical from the contractor outside the North American continent (OCONUS) and field service representatives to OCONUS.
Via: Embraer
