Airplanes To Be Built In Jacksonville, FL

The U.S. Air Force has selected the Embraer Super Tucano for its Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft. Embraer partnered with Nevada-based Sierra Nevada Corporation for its bid.

Eren Ozmen, president of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), said the initial $427.5 million delivery order is to supply the USAF with 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. As the aircraft selected for the LAS program, the A-29 Super Tucano will be used to provide light air support, reconnaissance and training capabilities to the Afghanistan military. As such, it is a vital element of the United States’ Afghan withdrawal strategy and central to maintaining security in that region going forward. The LAS program also will provide the United States and other partner nations with important capabilities for agile, flexible, economical, new-generation multi-role airpower.

“The Light Air Support program is essential to the United States’ objectives in Afghanistan and to our national security. It is a great honor to serve our country by providing the aircraft, training and support for this program,” said Taco Gilbert, vice president of Integrated Tactical Solutions for SNC’s Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance business area. “The A-29 Super Tucano with its proven track record is exactly what’s needed for the LAS program where the mission is critical and time is short. We will deliver a superior product, on-time and on-budget.”

“We are glad to provide the U.S. government with the best aircraft for the LAS program and to aid American warfighters and partners with a cost-effective solution,” said Gary Spulak, president of Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc. “Through this contract with SNC, we will increase our investment in the United States by creating new jobs and supporting American businesses.”

“Congratulations to the Sierra Nevada Corporation and its partner Embraer Defense and Security for being selected by the U.S. Air Force for its Light Air Support program.  The program will be built in Jacksonville and bring valuable jobs to Northeast Florida families,” Florida Governor Rick Scott.

The A-29 aircraft for the LAS program will be built in Jacksonville, FL. With the support of the state of Florida and the Jacksonville Airport Authority, the facility at Jacksonville International Airport already is undergoing modifications necessary to receive the aircraft assembly line, ensuring that production can begin on-schedule.

The Air Force had selected the Super Tucano for the program about a year ago, but rival Hawker Beechcraft (now Beechcraft Corporation) challenged the award after being told that its AT-6 offering did not meet certain specifications for the project. The Air Force re-opened the bidding process while HBC was working its way through bankruptcy.

(Super Tucano images from file)

FMI: www.BuiltfortheMission.com