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.
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