First Newly Assigned Aircraft At School In 30 Years

Three A-29 Super Tucanos arrived at Edwards Air Force Base to join the fleet at the Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS). They represent the first newly assigned aircraft at the school in nearly thirty years.

The A-29, built by Embraer, is designed as a low-cost close-air support platform. These particular aircraft were originally acquired by the Air Force Special Operations Command, but after their mission requirements changed they were divested. The Air Force Test Center recognized the excess aircraft as a good opportunity to expand the flight test and training capabilities at Edwards.

With the Great Power Competition representing broad shifts in the global strategic environment, the TPS’s mission is evolving to meet the changing strategic needs of the Air Force and of the country.

The A-29’s airframe design is ideal for spin testing, it also has an array of advanced modern avionics with the ability to externally hang equipment on numerous wing pylons. Together, these will allow the school to conduct training and research on a variety of sensors and weapons. Thus, reliance on T-38 and F-16 platforms is reduced while also enhancing the ability to carry out parts of the developmental test mission assigned to the Air Force Test Center.

Michael Banzet, Air Force Test Center Plans and Programs Director explained, “The decision to transfer A-29 aircraft to Edwards is a result of thoughtful analysis by the Test Pilot School and an excellent example of command agility and collaboration to take advantage of a unique, fleeting opportunity. Not only does this repurpose a $63 million taxpayer investment, it also modernizes and expands TPS curriculum to accelerate the fielding of combat capability for the U.S. Air Force.”

FMI:  www.af.mil