Super Tucano Takes First Flight for Nigerian Air Force Program

The newest Super Tucano took its first flight for the Nigerian Air Force program, Embraer and Sierra Nevada Corporation announced on April 17. Embraer Defense & Security joined forces with SNC on the project, which is undergoing testing at the venture’s production facility in Jacksonville, Florida. The A-29 Super Tucano is the first of 12 aircraft in production for the program.

“This is an exciting milestone in the production of these A-29s for the Nigerian Air Force. The Jacksonville production line is active, and Embraer and SNC look forward to seeing these aircraft continue to roll off the line in the coming months,” says Jackson Schneider, president and CEO for the Embraer Defense & Security division.

“The aircraft met or exceeded all the requirements and we are very pleased with the successful flight,” stated Ed Topps, vice president of Tactical Aircraft Systems and programs for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s IAS business area. “SNC and our partner, Embraer, are certain the Nigerian Air Force will be pleased with these aircraft.”

The light attack aircraft has been designed to be a cost-effective and reliable mount for basic and advanced combat flight training, making it well-suited to the Nigerian Air Force mission for the aircraft. The contract for the 12 airplanes was awarded in December 2018.