The acquisition of the Philippine Air Force Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft for the “15th Strike Wing” has finally been approved after several delays. The negotiation to procure the (CAS) aircraft has been completed wherein Embraer Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. bagged the P4.9-billion defense contract.
The Department of National Defense (DND) bids and awards committee together with Embraer just sealed the contract last 30th of November 2017 to supply the Philippines with six (6) EMB 314 / A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.
The Philippine government and Embraer have also agreed in terms of the delivery date of the aircraft. The first delivery of the aircraft will start in 2019.
According to the President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Mr. Jackson Schneider, after the comprehensive public bidding process participated by several manufacturers from around the globe, We are honored to be selected by the Philippine Air Force, to be our second operator in the Asia Pacific region, and with the confidence expressed by our customer. The Super Tucano is the best light attack aircraft in the market and we are confident that it will accomplish with excellence the missions it was selected for.
The EMB 314 “Super Tucano” (also A-29) will be equipped with advanced electronic, electro-optic, infrared and laser system technologies, as well as secured radio systems with data links and state-of-the-art munitions capabilities. The aircraft is a turboprop-powered light attack, reconnaissance, and surveillance twin seater model.
The 15th Strike Wing, based in Sangley Point, Cavite City, is the operator of all the Air Force’s ground attack aircraft, including the venerable Rockwell OV-10 “Broncos” and assorted armed helicopters.
But there is a speculation that the six (6) Tucano’s will be assigned to the 16th Eagles while the OV-10 Broncos, most probably will be transferred to the Jaguars of the 15th Strike Wing.
The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano also named ALX or A-29, is a turboprop light attack aircraft designed for counter-insurgency, close air support, and 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, and incorporates fourth-generation avionics and weapons systems to deliver precision-guided munitions. – JCE.
| General Specs | |||
| Country of origin: | Brazil/United States | ||
| Role: | Light attack/Counter-insurgency aircraft | ||
| Manufacturer: | Embraer Defense and Security | ||
| Introduced: | December 2003 | ||
| Power plant: | 1 x Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68/3 turboprop | ||
| Thrust: | 1,600 SHP | ||
| Wingspan: | 36.5 ft (11.1 m) | ||
| Length: | 37.3 ft (11.3 m) | ||
| Height: | 13 ft (4 m) | ||
| Weight (empty): | 7,055 lbs (3,200 kg) | ||
| Maximum takeoff weight: | 11,905 lbs (5,400 kg) | ||
| Fuel Capacity: | |||
| Speed: | 366.6 mph (590 km/h) | ||
| Ceiling: | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) | ||
| Range: | internal fuel: 826.4 miles (1,330 km) | ||
| with external tanks: 1,774 miles (2,855 km) | |||
| Crew: | 2 | ||
| Armament: | 5 x hardpoints w/ 3,306.9 lbs (1,500 kg) | ||
| Guns: | 2 x internal .50 cal machine guns (200 rounds each) | ||
| Air-to-air: | AIM-9 Sidewinder | ||
| Air-to-ground: | 2 x 20mm gun pods | ||
| Mk 81 250 lb bombs w/ precision-guided kits | |||
| Mk 82 500 lb bombs w/ precision-guided kits (GBU-12 Paveway II) | |||
| AGM-114 Hellfire | |||
| SBAT-70/19 rocket launchers | |||
| LAU-68 rocket launchers for unguided or Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) 2.75 in/70mm rockets | |||
| Radar/Sensors: | Laser INS with GPS navigation system | ||
| Brite Star II forward-looking infrared (FLIR) | |||
| Countermeasures/ Defenses: | Light armor | ||
| AN/AAR-60(V)2 Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) | |||
| Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) | |||
| ALE-47 Chaff and flare dispensers | |||
| Misc Systems: | Heads up display (HUD) | ||
| Helmet mounted display system | |||
| 2 x Color multi-function displays (CMFD) | |||
| Integrated V/UHF Radio with provisions for data-links | |||
Watch the video of EMBRAER SUPER TUCANO A-29 IN ACTION
