The departure of the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), to Portugal sealed a series of agreements between the two countries. Among them, a memorandum was drawn up for the production of the Super Tucano, a fighter plane by the Brazilian company Embraer, in the European country.
As explained in the company’s statement, the new version of the aircraft, the A-29N, will be assembled, which meets the requirements of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
This agreement was signed this Monday (24th) with the companies Center for Engineering and Product Development (CEiiA), Empordef Tecnologias de Informação, SA (ETI), GMVIS Skysoft, SA (GMV) and OGMA SA. the presence of António Costa, Portuguese Prime Minister.
According to Embraer, the main objective is the development of the Technological and Industrial Defense Base of Portugal, “reinforcing its capacity to carry out engineering, research and development activities”.
In 2019, the company had already entered into a contract with the Portuguese government for the acquisition of five KC-390 Millenium aircraft, a military freighter that emerged as an alternative to the historic Hércules, from the United States, as it is larger and allows for more flight hours. .
The first has already been delivered and is in the adaptation phase. The Netherlands and Hungary have also placed orders for the freighter.
What is the Super Tucano A-29N
Embraer announced the Super Tucano A-29N on April 12 of this year, during a defense and security conference. The Brazilian company explains that this is a “light attack, armed reconnaissance and advanced training” aircraft, which can “surveillance, air interception and counter-insurgency”.
The novelty is the update of the settings following the requirements of NATO, the military organization that integrates some of the main economies and armies in the world, including the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.
Among new settings are a new datalink (a communication device) and the single-pilot operation (operation by a pilot). It will also be possible to use the vehicle in training missions of the type Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and new training that includes virtual, augmented and mixed reality.
The estimated value of a Super Tucano is US$ 3.5 million, therefore, the agreement has the potential to move billions of dollars, as reported by Priscila Yazbek, from CNN .
According to Embraer, more than 260 units of the A-29, the previous version of the aircraft, have been delivered worldwide. Still according to the company, this model was selected by more than 15 air forces, including the United States.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has been using the Super Tucano since 2004. According to Embraer, the A-29 has accumulated over 500,000 flight hours and approximately 60,000 combat hours.
“The A-29 has the ability to operate from remote, unpaved runways in advanced operating bases with little logistical support, all of this combined with low operating costs and high availability (over 90%),” says the company.
It is equipped with several “state-of-the-art” sensors and weapons, as well as a laser targeting system, night vision goggles and V/UHF Radio. It also has ejection seats.
As for the engine, it uses an energy efficient “Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68C with 1,600 shp”, automatically controlled by an energy management unit.
The aircraft also allows training with simulated BVR missiles (beyond visual range) and with radar warning systems (RWR).
The Super Tucano also features:
- Image collection system;
- Pressurized cabin with air conditioning;
- Armored cabin and engine;
- Anti-G System;
- Onboard Oxygen Generator System (OBOGS);
- HOTAS controls (hands on throttle lever and stick);
- Two redundant mission computers (MDP – mission and display processor);
- Automatic flight (autopilot / flight director system);
- Transparent line-of-sight color display (known as HUD) with video camera;
- Front control panel with option for a CMFD (Color Multi-Function Display) screen;
- Programmable chaff/flare dispensers, each with a capacity of 30 rounds;
Technical data of the Super Tucano:
- Operational cost: around US$1,000 per flight hour
- Propulsion: single engine turboprop
- Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
- Wingspan: 11.14 m
- Length: 11.38 m
- Maximum speed: 590 km/h
- Range: 2,855 km
- Production: 2003 to date
- First flight: 06/02/1999
Source: CNN Brasil

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