Embraer & SNC conduct inaugural flight of NAF Super Tucano
Embraer and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have confirmed that the first A-29 Super Tucano aircraft destined for Nigeria has conducted its inaugural flight.
The aircraft is the first in an order of 12 which will join the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet and carry out light attack and ISR missions once entering active service in 2021.
Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defence and Security, said: ‘The Jacksonville production line is active, and Embraer and SNC look forward to seeing these aircraft continue to roll of the line in the coming months.’
The contract was awarded in December 2018 and includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares and contiguous US interim contractor support and field representatives.
In February 2020, Chief of Air Staff of the NAF confirmed that aircraft serviceability rate had reached 82% compared to just 35% in July 2015.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders
The service is updating several parts of its aviation fleet including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and procuring uncrewed aircraft to boost its maritime surveillance.
-
AUSA 2026: New multiwarhead loitering munition enters increasingly competitive market
Heaviside Industries has unveiled its new Tyr loitering munition at AUSA 2026 in Washington, DC, joining a growing field of manufacturers seeking to capitalise on billions of dollars in anticipated military spending.
-
Middle Eastern demand opens fresh export prospects for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet
A proposed Saudi Arabian purchase of 48 stealth fighters could signal a broader regional opportunity for the F-35 as European programmes mature.
-
US military plans multi-UAV trials with Northrop Grumman quantum-navigated Lumberjack
An undisclosed US military branch is preparing to evaluate multiple Lumberjack Group 3 drones equipped with SandboxAQ’s AQNav magnetic-navigation system. Shephard spoke with Northrop Grumman and SandboxAQ to find out more.
-
Akinci: How Baykar turned the UAV into an African and Middle Eastern export success
From billion-dollar industrial partnerships in the Middle East to rapid military off-the-shelf deliveries in Africa, Baykar has tailored the Akinci to the needs of very different customers. Defence Insight data shows how flexibility, price and Turkish supply-chain independence have helped drive exports.