U.S. Air Force selects A-29 Super Tucano to provide light air support, training to Afghanistan military
SNC and Embraer will deliver 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft under an initial $427.5 million delivery order within the U.S. Air Force’s Light Air Support (LAS) program.
The A-29 Super Tucano will provide light air support, reconnaissance, and training capabilities to the Afghanistan military, aiding the United States’ withdrawal strategy and helping to maintain security in the region going forward. The LAS program also will provide the United States and other partner nations with important capabilities for agile, flexible, economical, new-generation multi-role airpower.
“The Light Air Support program is essential to the United States’ objectives in Afghanistan and to our national security. It is a great honor to serve our country by providing the aircraft, training and support for this program,” said Taco Gilbert, vice president of Integrated Tactical Solutions for SNC’s Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance business area. “The A-29 Super Tucano with its proven track record is exactly what’s needed for the LAS program where the mission is critical and time is short. We will deliver a superior product, on-time and on-budget.”
| Related stories -- Read more about the A-29 Super Tucano here |
The A-29 aircraft for the LAS program will be built in Jacksonville, Fla. The facility at Jacksonville International Airport, with support from the state of Florida and the Jacksonville Airport Authority, is undergoing modifications necessary to receive the aircraft assembly line, to help ensure that production can begin on schedule.
“Through this contract with SNC, we will increase our investment in the United States by creating new jobs and supporting American businesses,” explains Gary Spulak, president of Embraer Aircraft Holding Inc.
In all, the LAS contract will support more than 1,400 American jobs; more than 100 companies will supply parts and services for the A-29 Super Tucano. Embraer will create new high-tech jobs at its production facility in Jacksonville, adding to the 1,200 people Embraer currently employs in the U.S., and new jobs at SNC will add to its U.S. workforce of 2,500 people.
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Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
