Air Force Report: A-29 Super Tucano
Mayor Alvin Brown: We need military aircraft built here
by Alvin Brown, Mayor of Jacksonville, Fla.
Florida Times Union
February 21, 2012
Jacksonville has a long history of supporting the military and its national security role.
Jacksonville is a city of nearly a million people where one of every four residents is either on active duty, is serving in the reserves, or is a proud veteran. We are honored to host a military/veteran population of nearly 250,000 people in the Jacksonville community.
From the start, my administration has made military issues a top priority...
When the United States Air Force announced its selection of the A-29 Super Tucano for its Light Air Support Program, I proclaimed it to be great economic news for the City of Jacksonville.
This state-of-the-art light air support aircraft will be built here, initially creating 50 high-wage jobs and representing millions in economic investment.
I was extremely proud that Embraer, the plane’s manufacturer as part of the Sierra Nevada Corp. team, had selected our city for this important effort.
This plane will play an integral role in completing our counterinsurgency mission in Afghanistan and in bringing our troops home safely and quickly…
Unfortunately, the investment that will happen here in Jacksonville is being held up by a lawsuit filed by the disqualified competitor for the Light Air Support contract.
Florida Gov. Scott commends teamwork that resulted in Embraer contract $355 million aircraft manufacturing deal set to boost Jacksonville economy
12/31/2011 Tallahassee, FL – On the heels of a $355 million aircraft manufacturing contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force to Jacksonville-based Embraer and partner companies, Governor Rick Scott commended the team effort by Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, Senator Bill Nelson, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown and other Florida officials, including members of the Florida Congressional Delegation, who all played key roles in landing the contract for Florida.
“This is an important deal for Florida’s economic future, and I’m particularly proud of Lt. Gov. Carroll’s leadership, alongside that of Senator Bill Nelson, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, and that of the Florida congressional delegation, all of whom worked hard on this deal for our state and community,” said Gov. Scott. “The Lieutenant Governor personally testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission on behalf of Embraer, and her military aviation background and strong ties to the Jacksonville community played an important part in helping to seal this deal.”
Consistent with Gov. Scott’s plan to make Florida the number one state for doing business, Lt. Gov. Carroll has vigorously embraced her role as an economic ambassador for Florida.
In addition to leading two trade missions, Lt. Governor Carroll appeared before the United States International Trade Commission in Washington D.C. on September 28th, 2011, to testify at the “Business Jet Aircraft Industry: Structure and Factors Affecting Competitiveness” hearing. The Lt. Governor appeared in support of Embraer, an aircraft manufacturer that has their North American headquarters in Melbourne Florida.
The full text of the Lt. Governor’s remarks before the commission can be viewed here (PDF).
Additionally, Lt. Governor Carroll penned an op-ed encouraging Floridians to contact their member of Congress in support of the Embraer deal, and as a former Navy Lieutenant Commander and aircraft maintenance officer, she also appeared in a video extolling the advantages of Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucano for the light attack role sought by the United States Air Force.
Mayor Brown Announces Embraer Airplane Contract
December 30, 2011
Major Achievement Follows Visit to Brazil, Meeting with Air Force Secretary
Two months ago, Mayor Alvin Brown joined Governor Rick Scott on an economic development trip to Brazil, met with top executives from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, and urged them to make Jacksonville a hub for their assembly of the Super Tucano light attack aircraft.
Just a few weeks ago, Mayor Brown traveled to Washington, met with U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and advocated for Jacksonville.
This afternoon, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that it awarded a $355 million contract to Sierra Nevada Corp. As part of that contract, Embraer will assemble Super Tacano planes for U.S. military use. Embraer has committed to assemble aircraft at Jacksonville International Airport. The project will initially create 50 high wage jobs and represents millions in economic investment.
“This is great economic news for Jacksonville,” said Mayor Brown. “The award reaffirms that Jacksonville is the most military and business friendly city in the United States.”
Mayor Brown credited the broad coalition of public and private sector partners which joined forces to make this achievement possible. “This announcement is yet another example of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Mayor Brown. “Today’s success was a real team effort.”
Brown specifically mentioned the local efforts of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, JAX Chamber, and JAX USA Partnership led by President Jerry Mallot. At the state level, he praised Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida, and Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson as relentless advocates for this achievement. From a federal perspective, Brown praised the work of U.S. Senators Nelson and Rubio and U.S. Representatives Crenshaw, Brown, Mica, and Stearns to make this day possible.
Brown pledged to work closely with Embraer to make its aircraft assembly efforts a success. “I have developed a great working relationship with U.S. Embraer President Gary Spulak and his team, and look forward to our doing whatever the City can to be a good partner in this critical initiative for our armed forces and our economy.”
New airframe adds strike capability to Afghan air force
January 11, 2012
AFGHANISTAN - In Afghanistan’s continued effort to independently battle counterinsurgency, a new tool will be added to their arsenal designed to allow versatility, reconnaissance and precision weapons placement to the growing Afghan air force.
Announced Dec. 30, the U.S. Air Force has approved a contract worth more than $350 million that will provide the Afghan air force with at least 20 A-29 Super Tucano light air support aircraft, ground training devices and all associated maintenance and support equipment originally slated to arrive mid-to-late 2013.
Shortly after a Nevada company had been given the green light to produce 20 manned spy planes for training pilots and fighting insurgents in Afghanistan, the Air Force halted work on the contract when a competitor protested the bid in Federal Claims Court.
Strategy Page
Brazilian Wings Over Afghanistan
January 6, 2012
The U.S. Air Force is buying twenty Brazilian A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the Afghanistan Air Force. The Super Tucano is a single engine turbo-prop trainer/attack aircraft that is used by over a dozen nations. This aircraft carries two internal 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine-guns and carries 1.5 tons of bombs and rockets. It can stay in the air for 6.5 hours at a time. It is rugged, easy to maintain and cheap. The U.S. is paying $17.7 million for each Super Tucano, which includes training, spare parts and support equipment.
UPI
Air Force suspends LAS work
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has suspended work on the LAS contract given to the Sierra Nevada Corp. and Embraer of Brazil because of pending litigation.
Kansas company Hawker Beechcraft, which was dropped from the $355 million competition, appealed its exclusion in a federal claims court last month and recently requested a temporary injunction be issued on the project.
Read more here.
Sierra Nevada Corporation Statement
U.S. Air Force Stop Work Order on Light Air Support Award
SPARKS, NV, JANUARY 4, 2012 – Sierra Nevada Corporation issued the following statement in response to a stop work order received today from the U.S. Air Force on the recently issued Light Air Support (LAS) contract:
Our team is excited to have been awarded the LAS contract by the U.S. Air Force as a result of a fair and open competition and after a favorable review by the Government Accountability Office.
We remain confident that the issue will resolved expeditiously. These critical LAS capabilities need to be made available soon in order to support our men and women in uniform and our partners in Afghanistan.
The A-29 Super Tucano, built in America, is the right solution for the LAS mission.
Sierra Nevada Corporation, a woman owned company, and all our numerous partners across the U.S. who will contribute to this contract stand ready to continue work and to serve our nation by providing the most proven capable light air support aircraft that meets the U.S Air Force’s requirements.
# # #
Second Line of Defense
The Super Tucano has won the LAS competition: Lingering Questions
by Ed Timperlake
Jan. 4, 2012
There is tremendous news for the American/NATO war effort in Afghanistan. With the selection of the Super Tucano, the Afghan Army Air Force can now begin to develop a combat capable air fleet for the Afghan Air Force.
Doing so is part of the process of reducing US and allied presence and having a key element for cooperation after the substantial ground forces of the US and its allies leave. This is a core task, not a peripheral one. This is not a procurement game; this is a capability and transition building block central to the future.
AOL Defense
Air Force Buys Light Attack Planes For Afghans -- Not U.S.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
January 3, 2012
Just before the New Year, the U.S. Air Force finally selected a new Light Air Support plane for ground attack in counterinsurgency, picking the Brazilian Super Tucano over the American AT-6– whose manufacturer, Wichita, Kan.-based Hawker Beechcraft, is filing suit over the decision [update: leading the Air Force to issue a stop-work order on the 4th]. But just as important as what the Pentagon is buying is how many and for whom: just 20 aircraft, with an option for another 15, which will go not to equip regular U.S. Air Force units but to train the embryonic air force of Afghanistan.
A-29 SUPER TUCANO WINS AIR FORCE BID FOR LIGHT AIR SUPPORT MISSION
SPARKS, NV, DECEMBER 30, 2011 – Eren Ozmen, President, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), and Luiz Carlos Aguiar, CEO, Embraer Defense and Security (Embraer), today announced that the U.S. Air Force has selected SNC, partnered with Embraer, to supply Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft to be used as part of the U.S. government’s partner building efforts in Afghanistan and other nations. The A-29 Super Tucano will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations.
FOR JOURNALISTS: Download additional press materials here.
As specified by the Air Force, SNC is being awarded a firm-fixed price delivery order 0001 contract in the amount of $355,126,541 for the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft and associated support. The delivery order is being issued under the simultaneously awarded basic contract FA8637-12-D-6001, an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. The initial demand is for 20 LAS aircraft together with ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment.
“We are honored by this decision and the opportunity to serve our country,” said Taco Gilbert, Vice President of ISR Business Development at SNC. “We believe in the goals of the Light Air Support mission and are proud to be able to support the United States in its partner-building efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. American warfighters, American workers, and our partner nations all win with this award.”
The LAS mission requires a non-developmental solution that provides the versatility, engagement, and persistence that the warfighter needs in a counterinsurgency environment, at a significantly lower cost than fighter jets. That aircraft must offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities; deliver a wide variety of munitions configurations, including precision guided munitions; and operate in extremely rugged terrain and austere conditions.
The A-29 Super Tucano was built specifically for counterinsurgency missions and is currently used by six air forces and on order by others. It has proven extremely capable for LAS missions and is credited with helping the Colombian government defeat the FARC and other governments counter illegal activities. The more than 150 units now in operation around the world have logged over 130,000 flight hours, including more than 18,000 combat hours without any combat loss.
“We are ready to support the LAS mission immediately,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President Embraer Defense and Security. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Embraer, the citizens of Florida and the thousands of employees who will be part of our supply chain. We look forward to working with SNC and the U.S. Air Force to provide these aircraft.”
The LAS bid process received strong support from political leaders and Members of Congress from many states, including Florida, Nevada, Colorado, Texas and Oregon. “The goal of Sierra Nevada's team, which included its partner Embraer and major suppliers FLIR, based in Oregon, and Elbit Systems of America, based in Texas, was to present the U.S. Air Force and partner nations with the best LAS capability. We appreciate the many Members of Congress and other officials who supported a fair and open competition. We are particularly grateful to the many Florida state officials and members of the Florida congressional delegation who assisted in establishing a production facility in their state that will result in the creation of new jobs, bringing prosperity to their communities,” SNC’s Gilbert said.
The A-29 Super Tucano will be built in Jacksonville, FL by American employees with parts from American companies. Aircraft training will be provided in Clovis, NM. More than 70 U.S. suppliers in 21 states will supply parts or services for this contract. At least 1,200 U.S. jobs will be supported through this contract.
Embraer is now moving to prepare for assembly operations. The new production facility in Jacksonville joins a facility in Melbourne recently opened by Embraer to assemble executive jets.
With a fully developed aircraft, a familiar supply chain and SNC’s expertise in providing in-theater logistical support, commanders in theater will take possession of the first A-29 Super Tucanos on-schedule and on-budget as per the LAS requirements.
Embraer will provide the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft; ground training devices (GTD) – simulators and planning stations; and spare parts. SNC will provide in-field logistic support and pilot and maintenance training.
Tactical Air Defense Services' Super Tucano Aircraft Receives FAA Certification
CARSON CITY, Nev. --- Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc., an Aerospace/Defense Services contractor that offers tactical aviation services, aerial refueling, aircraft maintenance, and other Aerospace/Defense services to the United States and Foreign militaries and agencies, is pleased to announce that its Embraer 314 Super Tucano aircraft that it acquired on lease through a joint-venture Services Agreement with Tactical Air Support, Inc. (TacAir), has received final FAA certification.
TADF has received notice that the Super Tucano aircraft based at TacAir's aviation base in Reno, Nevada, has successfully undergone and passed the final FAA certification process, thereby allowing it to be placed on contract.
The Super Tucano has already generated significant interest from potential military and commercial customers of the aircraft, and will depart shortly on a capabilities demonstration of the west coast military bases. Prior to receiving FAA certification, the Super Tucano was presented at the Reno Air Races in the military display section.
The Embraer 314 Super Tucano is a specialty military aircraft renowned for its capabilities in counter-insurgency and air-to-ground bombing, and is the only one of its kind offered in the U.S. Additionally, this is the only Super Tucano in the world being offered through a commercial Aerospace/Defense services contractor.
Tactical Air Support is a highly regarded Aerospace/Defense Services contractor founded by a group of former Navy, Marine, and Air Force Weapon's School Instructors to provide the military and commercial sectors with the highest possible quality of aviation, maintenance and consulting support. TacAir has won and successfully executed multiple Aerospace/Defense contracts awarded by divisions of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Alexis C. Korybut, Chief Executive Officer of TADF, stated, "We are pleased to announce that the Super Tucano has successfully received FAA certification. Due to it's exceptional capabilities, we have already seen demand for the Super Tucano from both military and commercial users that we believe will quickly translate into revenue-generating opportunities to deploy the aircraft on contract."
EMBRAER RANKS IN TOP 100 “BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR” IN FLORIDA
Embraer in Florida has been recently recognized as one of the “Best Companies to Work for” by Florida Trend Magazine, ranking 28th in the Large Company Category.
Read the whole story here.
Mauritania Follows Indonesia's Recognition of A-29's Performance
According to the same source, the drill is a "prelude to the acquisition by the Mauritanian air force of Brazilian Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft, which are the best-performing model in this category".
Read the whole story here.
[Indonesian] Air Force to Get New Aircraft Next Year
By Dicky Christanto, The Jakarta Post
July 2, 2011
Indonesian Air Force spokesman First Marshal Bambang Samoedro says the force will receive the first four Super Tocano aircraft in March next year as part of the realization of early plans to purchase a squadron of 16 Super Tocano warplanes.
Read the whole story here.
Fla. Rep. Jimmy Patronis responds to Article's claims
June 1, 2011
Read the whole letter to the American Legislative Exchange Council here.
Rep. Allen West Sends Letter To Air Force Secretary
May 26, 2011
Is Hawker Beechcraft an American company?
By Stephen Trimble
May 17, 2011 10:50 AM
The AT-6 may be an "American plane", but Hawker Beechcraft is not truly an American company.
Hawker, of course, is a brand invented in the UK, which migrated across the Atlantic in the early 1980s when British Aerospace sold its business jet division to Beechcraft. That business was later acquired by Raytheon. Two decades later, the brand Hawker Beechcraft was invented when Raytheon sold the business to two investors -- Goldman Sachs and Toronto-based Onex.
In fact, Hawker Beechcraft is at least a half-Canadian company, with half of its product line-up from the United Kingdom.
Read the whole story here.
“ALL ELSE IS RUBBISH”
By Ed Timperlake
May 16, 2011
There is a saying that can be recognized by all USAF, USN and USMC combat aviators that after engaging in a practice Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) engagement — whomever ever first gets to the briefing board wins.
In other words, who ever first frames the debrief makes sure it favors the outcome desired-which is almost always 'I won.' There is absolutely nothing wrong with strong, capable, well-trained fearless egos doing what ever it takes in arguing tactics and technology to enhance their knowledge to fight and win in the air.
Read the whole story here.
Opinion: Fla. Job Growth Potential Harmed by Misinformation
by Mike Haridopolos
President, Florida State Senate
May 7, 2011
"Today, I want to call your attention to another important opportunity for Florida: Assembling aircraft for the U.S. Air Force's Light Air Support (LAS) mission in Afghanistan. Nevada-based Sierra Nevada Corporation and Brazil's Embraer are jointly bidding on this contract, and if they win, they will build their planes in Jacksonville, creating exactly the type of high-quality engineering and technical positions we so urgently need."
Read the whole story here.
Meeting the needs of the warfighter from the air
By James H. Flatley, IV
05/04/11
"Over the past four years much has been written, debated and proposed about the need for a light attack turboprop aircraft that’s ideally suited for irregular warfare in Afghanistan. Yet here we are four years later without a deployable solution."
Read the whole story here.
APRIL 25, 2011: A-29 SUPER TUCANO IN DEFENSE NEWS
Check out the A-29 Super Tucano in the April 25, 2011 issue of Defense News.
April 18, 2011: A-29 Super Tucano in Defense News
Check out the A-29 Super Tucano in the April 18, 2011 issue of Defense News.
April 15, 2011: Members of Congress Write to Air Force
Eighteen members of Congress teamed up to pen a letter to Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley.
U.S. Eyes Super Tucano for SpecOps Work
By Andrew Scutro
Defense News
03/13/11
The U.S. Navy's new Irregular Warfare office has been looking at an agile Brazilian observation and ground-attack turboprop to provide an "organic" close air support aircraft for special operations forces. Under the classified "Imminent Fury" program, the Navy has already leased, tested and armed at least one Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano, according to Capt. Mark Mullins, a naval special warfare officer serving as the deputy director of the Navy Irregular Warfare Office at the Pentagon.
Read the whole story here.
Modest Brazil warplane fitting into nations' plans
By Chris Kraul
The Los Angeles Times
02/23/10
Several Latin American nations are buying the Super Tucano for use in anti-drug and counterinsurgency efforts. Even the U.S. and Britain are looking into the propeller-driven craft.
Read the whole story here.
