Combat Proven. The A-29 Super Tucano stands alone as the only combat-proven, mission ready and operational contender.

American Made. The Super T will be proudly built in Jacksonville, Fla., and  some 100 companies in over 20 states will provide components and services to support the mission.

The Light Air Support mission requires a low cost solution that provides engagement and persistence that the war fighter needs in a counter insurgency environment, at a significantly lower cost. This aircraft must deliver precision guided munitions and operate in extremely rugged terrain.  The Super T is the only plane that meets these requirements today.

Best for the Warfighter. The Super Tucano meets all the requirements of the LAS mission and then some.  It provides the highly advanced avionics and communications that pilots need. It makes no compromises when it comes to crew survivability, aircraft controllability or combat effectiveness.

Will selection of the Super T create jobs in the United States? 

Yes.  The A-29 Super Tucano will be built in Jacksonville, Fla., by American workers with parts from more than 100 U.S. suppliers in over 20 states.  In all, the LAS contract will support more than 1,400 American jobs, reflecting both the large U.S. supplier base and new jobs that will be created by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Embraer.  Embraer will create new high-tech jobs at its production facility in Jacksonville, adding to the 1,200 people Embraer currently employs in the United States, and new jobs at SNC will add to its U.S. workforce of 2,500 people.

Shouldn’t the U.S. Air Force buy from an American company?

SNC, the contract lead, is a U.S. company.  More significantly, this represents a win for the American aerospace industry and for the thousands of people employed by the more than 100 U.S. companies that are supplying parts or services for this contract.  The aircraft will be built in Jacksonville, Florida, by American workers. 

The A-29 Super Tucano is fully Buy American-compliant.  Eighty-six percent of the dollar value of the Super Tucano comes from components supplied by U.S. companies or countries that qualify under the Buy American Act.

SNC and Embraer, both, have a strong and expanding presence in the United States.  SNC employs more than 2,500 people in 32 locations in 16 states.  Embraer has had operations in the United States for 30 years and employs more than 1,200 people here.

In 2011, Embraer moved the global headquarters of its Executive Jets Division from Brazil to Florida and opened its first U.S. aircraft assembly facility and a new Global Customer Center for Executive Jets in Melbourne, Florida, creating 200 new jobs.  In March 2012, the company announced the establishment of the Embraer Engineering and Technology Center USA – also in Melbourne.  This R&D center will employ 200 aerospace engineers.

Embraer is the world’s third largest commercial aircraft manufacturer and is a major consumer of U.S. aircraft components – more than $2 billion annually.  More than 7,000 U.S. jobs are supported as a result of Embraer’s component purchases. 

Is Embraer owned by the Brazilian government?

No.  Embraer was founded by the Brazilian government in 1969 and privatized in 1994 and is today a publicly traded company. More than 50 percent of Embraer’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

What is the “Golden Share”?

Embraer was founded by the Brazilian government in 1969 and privatized in 1994 and is today a publicly traded company.  The Brazilian government retains a single seat on the company’s board and a single special share. This share, known as the "golden share," is intended to ensure protection of national interests for very specific issues. It provides a time-limited opportunity for the government to veto certain corporate activities including related to Embraer’s creation of military programs.  However, as related to the LAS contract, that window of opportunity never existed because this contract does not refer to the creation of a new military program.  

It’s important to understand two things about the ability of the Brazilian government to weigh in on Embraer’s business activities.  First, it’s limited in time and scope. Second, the Brazilian government has never exercised its veto rights under the Golden Share.  It simply doesn’t get involved in Embraer’s business in that way.  

Does the Golden Share allow the Brazilian government to tell Embraer to stop supplying aircraft or parts to foreign governments?  

No.  The Golden Share does not permit the Brazilian government to tell Embraer to stop producing or servicing aircraft for a foreign government.  In fact, it's the opposite that is true.  The discontinuation clause in Embraer's bylaws protects the government and Embraer’s customers in the event that Embraer decided to stop supplying parts for military aircraft.   The government has the right to tell Embraer that it cannot interrupt supplying such parts or service.

Does Embraer benefit from illegal government subsidies?

No.  Embraer has long championed strong disciplines on subsidies and encourages the Government of Brazil to work to limit the distortions they cause through the World Trade Organization and other forums including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.  Embraer is the only major aircraft producer headquartered in a developing country and believes the role of government should be to provide a competitive environment and stimulate the economy and investment generally, not to support specific products or companies.

What’s the military track record of the A-29 Super Tucano?

The A-29 Super Tucano is the only aircraft in LAS competition that has a combat record.  It has been in service for more than eight years and been used in combat and security operations by nine nations, with no combat losses.  

The A-29 Super Tucano is operational and combat-proven and flying with nations similar to those targeted for the LAS mission.  More than 170 A-29 Super Ts are in use with armed forces around the world.  It has more than 180,000 flight hours and 28,000 combat hours, with no combat losses, and it is certified for more than 130 weapon configurations.  The Super Tucano also is the plane that was tested and requested by the U.S. Navy for Imminent Fury.  

Is the A-29 Super Tucano Link 16 capable?

Yes.  The Super T is capable of incorporating any data system, including Link 16.  Embraer provided this capability for the A-29 aircraft tested by the U.S. Air Force for Imminent Fury.  

Can women fly the Super Tucano?

Absolutely. There is nothing about the A-29 Super Tucano that prevents women from flying it.  In fact, the Brazilian Air Force has many women aviators who fly the Super Tucano.