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Embraer Signs Another New Contract in Africa for Delivery of A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft.
On December 31, 2024, Embraer announced the signing of a contract for the delivery of four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to an undisclosed customer in Africa. This agreement highlights the aircraft's versatility in carrying out various missions, including border surveillance, intelligence gathering, close air support, counterinsurgency, and advanced pilot training.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a Brazilian-designed aircraft, manufactured by Embraer. (Picture source: Brazilian MoD)
The A-29 Super Tucano is renowned for its adaptability and reliability in difficult conditions. Its robust airframe allows it to operate from unpaved runways, making it particularly suited for regions with limited infrastructure and harsh operating environments. With an impressive track record of over 290 units sold worldwide, and more than 570,000 flight hours, including 60,000 hours in combat, the A-29 Super Tucano has firmly established itself as a leader in the light attack aircraft category.
Recent contracts with the air forces of Portugal, Uruguay, and Paraguay further underline the aircraft's global appeal and operational effectiveness. Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano continues to meet the rigorous demands of modern air forces, demonstrating its role as a versatile solution for both peacekeeping and combat operations.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, praised the A-29 as "extremely versatile," capable of carrying out the most demanding missions. The aircraft's advanced technology and proven combat performance ensure it remains a reliable asset for air forces worldwide.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a Brazilian-designed aircraft, manufactured by Embraer, that serves as both a trainer and an attack aircraft. Entering service in 2003, it was designed to meet the needs of operations in difficult environments, where unpaved runways and limited access to modern infrastructure are common. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine delivering 1,600 horsepower, this aircraft combines impressive performance with great versatility in the missions it can perform.
The A-29 Super Tucano measures 11.33 meters in length with a wingspan of 11.14 meters and a height of 3.97 meters, with a wing area of 19.4 m². Its empty weight is 3,200 kg, and it can reach a maximum weight of 5,400 kg, allowing it to carry a variety of weapons and additional fuel. Among its capabilities, it can achieve a cruising speed of 520 km/h and a maximum speed of 593 km/h, while operating at an altitude of 10,670 meters and with a range of 550 km. These performance features make it particularly suited for close support and attack missions, while also being capable of engaging over long distances.
The Super Tucano's armament is another of its standout features. It is equipped with two 12.7 mm FN Herstal M3P machine guns mounted in the wings, as well as five external pylons capable of carrying various types of munitions. These include a 20 mm cannon pod under the fuselage, 70 mm rocket pods, as well as conventional and guided bombs. Additionally, the aircraft can be armed with two air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder, MAA-1 Piranha, or Python 3/4, which enhance its capabilities in interception missions. The central pylons can also accommodate fuel tanks, extending the aircraft's range for long-duration missions. Overall, the A-29 Super Tucano represents a lightweight, robust, and adaptable attack solution tailored to the diverse needs of modern air forces.
Designed for a wide range of missions, the A-29 Super Tucano combines advanced weapon systems and a state-of-the-art communication suite, offering an economical solution with reduced lifecycle costs. Its multi-role capabilities provide air forces with an effective platform for reconnaissance, training, and operational support, thus reinforcing its position as a vital asset in modern military aviation.