Posted on 09/25/2014 12:05:41 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The first A29 Super Tucano manufactured in the United States made its debut today in a ceremony at the Embraer facility at Jacksonville International Airport.
The light air support defense plane, contracted by the U.S. Air Force from Sierra Nevada Corp. and built by Brazilian-based Embraer, has passed its military certifications and was officially approved for use by the Air Force. The Afghan National Army for light air support will eventually use the plane.
"The capability speaks for itself," said Taco Gilbert, vice president of the Sierra Nevada Corp. "It's gotten its air worthiness approval, which is a stamp of approval from the U.S. Air Force."
As the first Super Tucano built in the United States, this plane is one of 20 ordered in the original Air Force contract for $427 million. Gilbert said he felt confident there could be additional orders, and said the group was in contact with other potential customers.
There are eight planes in various stages of production, said Dan Culleton, general manager for Embraer. Each plane spends about 15 days in each segment of production, which are broken down into further stages. Planes go through pre-equipping and pre-assembly, final assembly and flight operations assessments before being presented to the customer.
About 137 employees here were hired from the area for these construction projects, Culleton said. Employees range from technicians to support labor to production engineers to logistics specialists.
"Jacksonville is blessed with aviation skills," he said.
Gary Spulak, president of Embraer Aircraft Holding Inc., said the core of the project's success has been Jacksonville's workforce, which was a main driver for selecting the city as the site for its construction.
"It's a win-win," he said. "A win for the community, a win for us and a win for the air fighter."
Mayor Alvin Brown, who was in attendance, praised the success of the facility and Embraer's public-private partnership with the city.
"It's about creating economic security," he said, "and that's happening right here in Jacksonville… . This achievement is a testament to Jacksonville's stature as the most military-friendly city in America."
Dunno about the price, but they have some enthusiasts here in the US building Me-262 replicas so authentic that Messerschmitt (in Germany)is reportedly assigning Werk No.s to them. (Use modern jet engines I believe.)
Here’s a clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8HblYdUUcg
Search Me-262 replica for others.
For the Strumovik to live again (as a replica) will cost $$$, talent, and time.
And FWIW, the PT-6A is a free turbine engine, not a turboshaft.
Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano
Counter-insurgency
The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29 is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter insurgency, close air support, aerial reconnaissance missions in low threat environments, as well as providing pilot training. Wikipedia
Top speed: 368 mph (593 km/h)
Range: 2,995 miles (4,820 km)
Weight: 7,055 lbs (3,200 kg)
Wingspan: 37’ (11 m)
Unit cost: 9,000,000–14,000,000 USD (2011)
Manufacturer: Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica
Engine type: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6
you mean the one without an aircraft to back it up????
you wanna get in the competition, have something to get into the competition with...
just sayin’....
Thanks on the correction. I was typing faster than thinking I guess
Nice brochure. Was there a working plane?
Yes. Several.
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