A-29 Super Tucano (EMB-314)
Type: Close Air Support Aircraft
Domain: air
Country of Origin: Brazil
Manufacturer: Embraer Defense & Security
First Deployed: 2003
Overview
Brazilian turboprop light attack and advanced trainer aircraft representing one of the most successful military aviation exports globally — combining low operating costs with genuine combat capability for counter-insurgency, border patrol, and advanced training missions. Super Tucano evolved from Embraer EMB-312 Tucano trainer with strengthened structure, more powerful engine, and weapons capability. Features tandem cockpit with student/instructor or pilot/weapon systems operator, Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop providing 1,600 shp, modern glass cockpit with multi-function displays and head-up display, five hardpoints carrying 1,550 kg ordnance including machine gun pods, rocket pods, precision-guided bombs, and potentially air-to-air missiles, armor protection for crew and critical systems, self-sealing fuel tanks, and comprehensive mission systems. Maximum speed 367 mph with endurance exceeding 6 hours. Brazilian Air Force operates 99 Super Tucano (designated A-29) for advanced training, border patrol missions monitoring Amazon region, and light attack. The aircraft achieved remarkable export success with operators including United States Air Force (A-29B for Afghan Air Force, now USAF light attack squadrons), Colombia, Afghanistan, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mauritania, Philippines, and 15+ total operators. Combat-proven in counter-insurgency operations in Colombia, Afghanistan, and Philippines demonstrating effectiveness against irregular forces. Represents cost-effective solution for missions not requiring fast jets. Brazilian defense industry flagship export.
Technical Specifications
| engines | 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop 1,600 shp |
|---|---|
| weapons | 2x 12.7mm MGs, 5 hardpoints (~1,500 kg: bombs, rockets, gun pods, Paveway LGBs) |
| avionics | Glass cockpit, FLIR, laser designator, NVG compatible |
| endurance | 6+ hours |
| max_speed | 590 km/h |
| combat_radius | 550 km |
Operators
- Afghanistan
- Angola
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Chile
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Ghana
- Guatemala
- Indonesia
- Lebanon
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Philippines
- Senegal
- United States
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