Aircraft manufacturer Sierra Nevada announced it has reached an agreement with the US Air Force to deliver an additional A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA) mission for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
The aircraft will be the third A-29 delivered under the existing contract, which was announced earlier this year.
Combat Aviation Advisors are air commandos responsible for special operations activities by, with, and through foreign aviation forces. The operators are trained in a wide range of specialized skills that they use to carry out SOF mobility, ISR, precision strike and agile combat support.
“SNC is proud of our close partnership with the US Air Force, specifically in identifying ways to acquire the additional A-29 at the best value to the US taxpayer and in support of US and allied operations,” said Ed Topps, vice president of tactical aircraft systems and programs for SNC’s ISR, Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area. “SNC is honored to build and deliver the combat-proven A-29 to the US Air Force.”
The undefinitized contracting action by the US Air Force is for SNC, as prime contractor, and its partner, Embraer Defense & Security, to deliver a third A-29 aircraft, as well as ground support equipment, pilot training (including difference training and instructor pilot upgrade training), contractor logistic support, aircraft sparing, and sustainment for AFSOC’s CAA mission, which helps build international partner capacity.
Production of the first two A-29s under this contract is currently underway in Jacksonville, Florida, with planned delivery of the three aircraft in 2021. Training and support activities continue through 2024.
The A-29 is a light attack combat and reconnaissance aircraft that has been selected by 15 partner air forces around the world to deliver cost-effective close air support and reconnaissance capabilities.
SNC revealed that the first A-29 for the Nigerian Air Force successfully completed its inaugural flight at the Jacksonville production facility last month.
