Temporary Stop Work Order Issued In Light Of HBC Legal Challenge

The Air Force had announced last week that the Super Tucano had been selected as its Light Air Support aircraft, and would be built at Jacksonville International Airport in Northeast Florida. Embraer has partnered with Sierra Nevada Corporation to build the airplane.

Super Tucano

But the $355 million contract for 20 airplanes, pilot training and support was put on hold Wednesday due to pending litigation brought by Hawker Beechcraft. The Kansas company alleges that the bidding process lacked transparency, and did not follow procurement rules. HBC builds the AT-6 Texan, a direct competitor to the Super Tucano.

The Jacksonville Business Journal reported Wednesday that the Air Force said in a news release that it has placed a temporary stop work order on the program while the legal process runs its course. Air Force officials said they think the dispute can be quickly resolved. The program would bring about 50 jobs to Jacksonville

This is the second time Embraer has announced plans to build a military aircraft in Jacksonville. The Brazilian company had originally planned to build a reconnaissance airplane for the U.S. Army at Cecil Field, the former Navy Master Jet base. But that deal fell through when the EJ-145 which was to have been the platform for the project was found to be unable to carry the equipment specified by the Army. (Image provided by Embraer)

FMI: www.embraer.com, www.af.mil, www.hawkerbeechcraft.com