A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. Photo EmbraerSA.
1 February 2013 airforce-technology.com
The National Air Force of Angola (FANA) has taken delivery of three A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft from Embraer Defense and Security at its facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil.
The delivery follows a contract received by the company in early 2012 to supply six aircraft along with a logistical, training and replacement parts package to the air force.
Embraer Defense and Security president Luiz Carlos Aguiar said the selection of Super Tucano by Angola reflects the aircraft's potential in the African region.
"It is a robust, versatile and very efficient combat-proven aircraft with low operating costs and has generated great interest among other African nations,'' Aguiar added. The aircraft are scheduled to be operated by the air force for border surveillance missions.
Powered by a PT6A-68A turboprop engine, the EMB 314/A-29 Super Tucano is designed for conducting a wide range of military operations, including light attack, counter insurgency (COIN), air-to-air interception, close air support and aerial reconnaissance missions in low-threat environments.
Featuring advanced electronic / optical / infrared (EO/IR) and laser technology, secure radios with datalink communications and weaponry, the aircraft can also be configured for pilot training purposes.
Capable of operating in high temperatures and humid conditions, the aircraft is also equipped with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as fourth-generation avionics and both conventional and smart weapons systems to fire precision guided munitions even under extreme conditions.
The aircraft is also operational with the air forces of Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Burkina Faso, Indonesia and Mauritania, while it has also been ordered by Guatemala.
The delivery schedule for the remaining three aircraft has not been disclosed by the company.
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