Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano

EMB 314 / A-29 Super Tucano
A-29 Super Tucanos of Brazilian Air Force
Role	Attack aircraft and Counter insurgency
National origin	Brazil
Manufacturer	Embraer Defense and Security
First flight	2 June 1999
Introduction	2003
Status	In production
Primary users	Brazilian Air Force Colombian Air Force Ecuadorian Air Force Chilean Air Force
Produced	2003–present
Number built	+200
Unit cost	$9–14 million $430–500/hour (operational cost)
Developed from	Embraer EMB 312 Tucano

$9–14 million

The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano ( pronunciation), also named ALX or A-29 is a turboprop light attack aircraft designed for counter insurgency (COIN), close air support, aerial reconnaissance missions in low threat environments, as well as providing pilot training. Designed to operate in high temperature and humidity conditions in extremely rugged terrain, the Super Tucano is highly maneuverable, has a low heat signature, incorporates fourth generation avionics and weapons system to deliver precision guided munitions.

During the mid-1980s Embraer was working on the Short Tucano alongside a new version designed EMB-312G1, carrying the same Garrett engine. The EMB-312G1 prototype flew for the first time in July 1986. However, the project was dropped because the Brazilian Air Force was not interested in it. Nonetheless, the lessons from recent combat use of the aircraft in Peru and Venezuela led Embraer to keep up the studies. Besides a trainer, it researched a helicopter attack version designated "Helicopter killer" or EMB-312H. The study was stimulated by the unsuccessful bid for the US military Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) program. A proof-of-concept prototype flew for the first time in September 1991. The aircraft features a 1.37-meter (4.49-ft) fuselage extension with the addition of sections before and after of the cockpit to restore its center of gravity and stability, a strengthened airframe, cockpit pressurization and stretched nose to house the more powerful PT6A-67R (1,424 shp) engine. Two new prototypes with the PT6A-68A (1,250 shp) engine were built in 1993. The second prototype flew for the first time in May 1993 and the third prototype flew in October 1993.