Posted on 12/30/2011 7:38:59 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
A-29 Super Tucano Wins Air Force Bid for Light Air Support Mission
SPARKS, Nev., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION and EMBRAER DEFENSE & SECURITY to supply aircraft, training and support to the Light Air Support program. A-29 Super Tucano to be built in Jacksonville, FL; over 70 U.S. companies to supply parts and services
Eren Ozmen, President, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), and Luiz Carlos Aguiar, CEO, Embraer Defense and Security (Embraer), today announced that the U.S. Air Force has selected SNC, partnered with Embraer, to supply Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft to be used as part of the U.S. government's partner building efforts in Afghanistan and other nations. The A-29 Super Tucano will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations.
As specified by the Air Force, SNC is being awarded a firm-fixed price delivery order 0001 contract in the amount of $355,126,541 for the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft and associated support. The delivery order is being issued under the simultaneously awarded basic contract FA8637-12-D-6001, an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. The initial demand is for 20 LAS aircraft together with ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment.
"We are honored by this decision and the opportunity to serve our country," said Taco Gilbert, Vice President of ISR Business Development at SNC. "We believe in the goals of the Light Air Support mission and are proud to be able to support the United States in its partner-building efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. American warfighters, American
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Would have been nice to have these suckers in WWII.
Am I calculating correctly, that these will be $17M a piece? For a prop engine plane?
That amount most likely includes the setting up of a manufacturing line in Florida and logistics/training systems.
Tail looks like a P-51. Why not use Mustangs—they would be cheaper.
It's also for spares, manuals, test equipment, training, and specialized test jigs.
Also, since when have our military planes received spanish/brazilian names?
This is a joke..............ri-i-i-i-i-ight?
All I need to know now is that the 1st and 7th Cavalry are starting to buy up horses and give riding lessons!
Howcum I can’t remember going through a time warp?!
Pity the poor bastards assigned to FLY those things when they encounter a real adversary in a JET FIGHTER!
Considering Brazil’s President and ours are simpatico Commies, who knews if this was ordered from on high.
After all, we are already helping Brazil drill for oil to the tune of $ 2 billion.
If I get a job there, can I get an employee discount?
Thanks for the posting
This is Brazilian design wonder how much of the plane will be built here. (probably their PR doesn’t cover that aspect) This type of craft and its missions suggests it could be deployed “up front” and missions directed by the Army who’s alas at fixed wing war with the Air Force.
For a custom built military aircraft with a total production run of 20 aircraft. I imagine if the order had been for 200 aircraft the price would be half that per copy.
Looks like the base contract is for the $355mil firm fixed price, but initial delivery task order for 20 aircraft on the IDIQ KT.
The total volume of the KT might be $355mil, but first task order for 20 aircraft, without stipulating the exact amount for the first set of birds. (It could be as you read it, but it isn’t clear to me.)
Wikipedia reports avg aircraft price ranging from $9-$14mil over the past decade for Latin American countries. Operational costs of about $500/hr.
Looks like you are right.
Since they starting being built by a Brazilian company I am guessing.
Would that $17M per aircraft include the “LANTRIN” like pod on the underside of the aircraft?
The LAS contract is supposed to be aimed at US allies (Afghanistan in this case) with the USAF also operating a few in the training role. Even if it is expanded, it will operate in the low-threat counter insurgency role below the A-10 and has better endurance and lower operating costs than the latter.
About why the Super Tucano, may be it has to do with the fact that it is probably the only realistic option which is in service with multiple airforces and has seen combat.
I think we did.
Not made to go up against a jet fighter.
Looks like Guatemala was getting loans at about $28mil/copy.
These Progressives really love moving backward, don't they?
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