AEL Sistemas eyes upgrade to Brazilian Super Tucanos

The FAB is widely expected to begin its Super Tucano mid-life upgrade programme in 2025. (FAB)

AEL Sistemas, a Brazilian subsidiary of Elbit Systems, has designed an upgrade package for the Brazilian Air Force's (FAB's) Embraer A-29A/B Super Tucano training and strike aircraft, the company's senior business director José Klippel told Janes on 5 December.

The FAB is expected to put a Super Tucano modernisation programme to bid in 2025, following a 2023 announcement that it was studying a mid-life upgrade for the type.

AEL Sistemas' modernisation package is centred around increasing commonality with the FAB's F-39E/F Gripen fighter fleet and increasing situational awareness, Klippel said.

The proposed upgrade includes installing an Elbit Systems E-LynX AR multichannel software-defined radio compatible with the Link-BR2 datalink; a touchscreen large area cockpit display; a self-protection suite with missile warning system, radar warning receiver, laser warning system, and chaff and flare dispensers; an Elbit Systems SPECTRO XR electro-optical camera; and provisions to drop bombs fitted with Elbit Systems' Lizard-3/4 guidance kit, Klippel told Janes . AEL Sistemas also proposes to upgrade type's ground simulators.

Brazil's Gripens also feature the Link-BR2 datalink and an AEL Sistemas-built large cockpit display.

For more information, please seePortugal orders Super Tucanos.