Tactair joins USAF's LAS contract supplier team

Around 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft will be provided to Afghanistan Air Force in 2014. Photo Embraer SA.

26 July 2013 airforce-technology.com

Tactair Fluid Controls has been selected as hardware supplier for the US Air Force's (USAF) recently-awarded light air support (LAS) contract.

Awarded to the team of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Embraer Defense and Security in February, the controversial $427.5m LAS contract covers the delivery of a total of 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to help the Afghanistan Air Force (AAF) address its security requirements.

As LAS contract supplier, the company will be responsible for delivery of the emergency park brake valve and accumulators for use on the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

Fitted with single or dual gain braking curves, pressure sensing and an integrated parking function, the Tactair emergency park brake valves are specifically engineered to be manually actuated through a lever or cable quadrant.

The brakes are capable of providing an alternate method for brake pressure maintenance upon the main system failure, as well as constant parking brake pressure in park mode.

"Representing the US's support to Afghanistan following strategic withdrawal at the end of 2014, the LAS contract also includes delivery of associated maintenance and training support to the AAF."

Usually, the brake valve and hydraulic accumulator are paired together to provide emergency brake pressure and volume compensation in park mode.

The contract value and performance period remained undisclosed.

Representing the US's support to Afghanistan following strategic withdrawal at the end of 2014, the LAS contract also includes delivery of associated maintenance and training support to the AAF.

Expected to be delivered in the summer of 2014, the aircraft will be used by AAF for advanced flight training, surveillance, close air support or ground troops and air interdiction missions.

At least 88% of the aircraft is expected to be manufactured using parts delivered by more than 100 US companies from 20 states or countries that qualify under the Buy America Act.

Manufacturing work is scheduled to be carried out by US workers in Jacksonville, Florida, while training will be provided in Clovis, New Mexico, US.