Embraer Rolls Out First A-29 Aircraft for USAF

In September of this year, Embraer Defense & Security, in collaboration with Sierra Nevada Corporation, has made the first set of deliveries of the A-29 Super Tucano light air support aircraft to the US government. These are the first of 20 aircraft that are scheduled to be delivered to the US Air Force under the Light Air Suppot (LAS) program, which is designed to support the transition of security to Afghanistan’s forces as NATO withdraws its forces. The Light Air Support program is a critical component of the US objectives in Afghanistan, which will help ensure security in the region while simultaneously allowing for the successful withdrawal of US troops.

The LAS contract was awarded to Embraer and Sierra Nevada Corporation in February of 2013, which includes the supply of 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft as well as ground training equipment, pilot and maintenance training, and logistical support. SNC and Embraer have both combined to create more than 1,400 jobs with more than 100 companies as a result of the LAS program. The Super Tucano, a light air support turboprop aircraft, has advanced training capabilities and performs exceptionally as an advanced trainer. It has also been proven to be capable of wide range of missions over a span of ten years of operations, 230,000 flight hours, and 31,000 combat hours. The Super Tucano is currently in use by nine air forces in Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. Embraer, to date, has delivered 170 of the total 210 orders for the A-29.

A Brazilian aerospace conglomerate and one of Brazil’s largest exporters, Embraer competes with Canadian rival Bombardier as the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, behind only Airbus and Boeing. They are major producers of both commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft, in addition to aircraft components and mission systems for air and ground operations. Embraer is a member of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).The company reports annual revenue of $5.7 billion, with $329.1 million in net income. Although headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the company operates facilities in China, France, Portugal, Singapore, and the US. ASAP Fasteners is the proprietary website of ASAP Semiconductor and is a premier distributor of genuine aircraft parts, also including Embraer Aircraft spare parts. Take a look at our large parts inventory on www.asap-fasteners.com or drop your requirements at sales@asap-fasteners.com.