Embraer announced today, during the 2022 edition of FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio), in Chile, that the world fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft reached the milestone of 500 flight hours.
With more than 260 units delivered, the aircraft has already been selected by more than 15 air forces worldwide, including the United States Air Force (USAF), as well as several countries in Latin America, including Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic. Dominican Republic and Brazil, the first operator of the aircraft in the world.
“We are very happy to be able to share this important milestone with the Chilean Air Force, our longtime customer”, said Bosco Costa Junior, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Defense and Security. “In addition to 500 flight hours, the A-29 has also accumulated more than 60 hours in combat. In fact, it is the only turboprop light attack, reconnaissance and advanced training platform currently in production with proven combat performance in conflicts around the world.”
“Since the arrival of the first examples of these planes to the Chilean Air Force, in 2009, the A-29 Super Tucano have stood out for their operational versatility, robustness and operating costs. I thank Embraer for choosing FIDAE to celebrate this very important milestone in the Super Tucano’s operational history”, said the Commander in Chief of the Chilean Air Force, General Arturo Merino Núñez.
Developed to meet the demanding requirements of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), the A-29 can carry out a wide range of missions, including light attack, air surveillance and interception, and counterinsurgency.
Robust and versatile, the A-29 has the ability to operate from remote, unpaved runways at advanced operating bases in hostile environments with little , all of this coupled with low operating costs and high availability (over 90%).
In addition to combat roles, the aircraft is widely used as an advanced trainer. Its ability to simulate combat missions and and flight data made it a highly effective training platform.
As a true multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 is flexible enough to provide air forces with a single platform for light attack, armed reconnaissance, close air and advanced training, thereby optimizing their fleets.
It is equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art sensors and weapons, including an electro-optical/infrared system with laser designator, night vision goggles, secure voice and data communications.
For all that, the A-29 Super Tucano represents the best of its class, combining superior performance with 21st century weapons, integrated sensors and surveillance systems to create a highly effective component of airpower.
Other customers include Indonesia, Lebanon and the Philippines. In Africa, the A-29 has been chosen by Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Angola and, more recently, Nigeria.
