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Defense and Security Intelligence and Analysis: IHS Jane's

US chooses Super Tucano for Afghan Air Force

By Marina Malenic

1/4/2012

Sierra Nevada Corporation has been awarded a USD950 million fixed-price contract for the US Air Force's (USAF's) Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft programme, the Pentagon announced on 30 December.

Sierra Nevada teamed with Embraer to offer the A-29 Super Tucano following a request for proposals (RfP) issued by the USAF in October 2010 for 20 LAS aircraft to be used by the Afghan Air Force (AAF) and 15 more for USAF use.

The contract, which includes mission planning systems and ground training devices, is for the 20 aircraft designated for the AAF. According to congressional aides, support is low among lawmakers for the funding of the 15 aircraft for the USAF. Senior USAF officials have also indicated that this portion of the programme could be cancelled.

Lockheed Martin and Hawker Beechcraft had previously offered the USAF the AT-6B Texan II, but the USAF eliminated the aircraft from consideration in November 2011.

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The Super Tucano, recently chosen for the USAF's LAS competition, is in service with the Brazilian Air Force as a light-attack aircraft and trainer. There are 650 Super Tucanos in service with 15 air forces worldwide.
The Super Tucano, recently chosen for the USAF's LAS competition, is in service with the Brazilian Air Force as a light-attack aircraft and trainer. There are 650 Super Tucanos in service with 15 air forces worldwide.(Embraer)

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