Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano

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Super Tucano

The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29 (name given by the Brazilian Air Force) is a Turboprop aircraft designed for light attack and pilot training, incorporating modern avionics and weapon systems. It's currently in use by the airforces of Brazil and Colombia, and Embraer has plans to sell it to other countries in Asia and Middle East. Besides pilot training, it's heavily employed in monitoring operations in the Amazon region.

1 Development
2 Variants
3 Users
4 Specifications
5 External links
6 Related content

[edit] Development

The request of a light attack aircraft was part of the Brazilian Government's SIVAM (Amazon Monitoring System) Project. This aircraft would fly along the R-99A e R-99B aircraft and would be responsible for intercepting illegal aircraft and patrolling the borders.

The ALX Project was then created by the Brazilian Air Force, which was also in need of a military trainer to replace the Embraer EMB 326GB Xavante. The project of the new aircraft was suited to the Amazon region (high temperature, moisture, and precipitation; low treat). The ALX or Super Tucano (named in reference of the older Embraer EMB 312 Tucano, although it was a completely distinct aircraft) was then specified as a Turboprop engine aircraft with large range and autonomy, able to operate in night and day, in any meteorological condition, and able to land on short tracks lacking infrastrucuture.

The first flight of a Super Tucano prototype (single seat version) occurred in June 2, 1999. The first flight of the double seat version occurred in October 22, 1999.

[edit] Variants

Single seat (A-29A) - For attack and armed reconnaissance (on interdiction tasks), attack and cover (on close air support tasks), able to intercept and destroy low performance aircraft.

Double seat (A-29B) - For the same tasks as the single seat version, also used in training and advanced aerial control (on monitoring tasks).

[edit] Users

Brazil: 99 units

Colombia: 25 units

On January 11, 2006 Embraer had a potential sale of 36 units to Venezuela which fell through since the USA Government denied the sale; the US Government has a say in the sale of any weapon system that has North American technology. In this case, the Super Tucano uses a Pratt & Whitney Canada engine (Pratt & Whitney Canada belongs to Hartford, Connecticut based United Technologies), and many other components of North American origin.

[edit] Specifications

General characteristics

Crew: One pilot on single seat version, one pilot plus one navegator/student on double seat version
Length: 11.33 m (37.17 ft)
Wingspan: 11.14 m (36.55 ft)
Height: 3.97 m (13.02 ft)
Wing area: 19.4 m² (208.82 sq ft)
Empty weight: 3,020 kg (6,658 lb)
Loaded weight: 4,520 kg (9,965 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 5,200 kg (11,464 lb)
Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C , 1,600 hp (1,193 kW)