First Export Of Multipurpose Military Planes

Earlier this week, Embraer announced the delivery of the first five Super Tucano aircraft to the Colombian Air Force (FAC) in a ceremony held at Embraer's Gaviao Peixoto Unit in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The event was attended by the Colombian Air Force official representative, Major General Ricardo Rubianogrott; the Ambassador of Colombia in Brazil, Mario Galofre Cano; Embraer's Chairman, President and CEO Mauricio Botelho and Executive Vice-President for the Defense and Government Market Luiz Carlos Aguiar, among others.

The Colombian Air Force announced an order for 25 Super Tucano light attack aircraft in December 2005, marking the first export deal for this model. They will be deployed on internal security missions and border patrol. A comprehensive logistics training package with a full flight simulator is included.

"The Super Tucano is already in operation and is doing very well in the Amazon region," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, Embraer Executive Vice-President for Defense and Government Market. "We strongly believe that it will also be very helpful to the Colombian Air Force by enhancing its operational capabilities in that region."

"After an extensive evaluation, the Colombian Air Force selected the Super Tucano as the most effective option for the important mission of internal security," said Major General Ricardo Rubianogrott, Colombian Air Force official representative.

The Super Tucano is a combination of a next-generation, light military airplane that can serve as an advanced training tool for pilots. The single-engine turboprop follows its "older brother," the original Tucano, which is now in service with more than 15 Air Forces around the world.

FMI: www.embraer.com, www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/colombia/colombia_airforce.htm