Embraer Defense & Security and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announced the first of 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack, combat and reconnaissance aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) successfully completed its inaugural flight at the production facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
The full fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the NAF are currently in production by SNC and Embraer at the Jacksonville facility with delivery to the NAF expected on schedule in 2021.
The NAF A-29 aircraft will now begin mission modification and final testing in Centennial, Colorado. Following final testing, before delivery, NAF pilots will train in the aircraft.
How powerful is the A-29?
The A-29 Super Tucano will be the most heavily armed aircraft in the history of the NAF. With more than 3,300 pounds of weapons. Super Tucano carries an array of weapons that no enemy would want to see heading their way.
The Super Tucano might looks like a P-59 Mustang of World War II era plane, but this aircraft is a modern hybrid of low tech and high tech. Five hard points under the wing allow the aircraft to bring more than 3,300 pounds of weapons to a fight.
Like the LAU 69 rocket launcher
Mk 81 or Mk 82 equipped with guidance kits are two other sorts of firepower it can unload to defeat enemy forces.
If the Super Tucano is under attack from an enemy plane, then it can unleash short-range air-air missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinders. This will be the first time the Nigerian Air Force will be fielding an American made air to air missile and other smart munitions
Modern missions often happen at night. The electro optical infrared system helps the pilots recognize targets by collecting images around the clock, both day and night.
FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared. The armament is synced up with a state-of-the-art avionics and sensor systems. Inside that classic retro look, it isn’t just the approach to weaponry that blends low tech and high tech for maximum impact.) supplies digitized thermal imaging.
There is also highly advanced tracking, interception and surveillance tech. The plane’s communications are highly advanced. The Super Tucano has an encrypted digital anti-interception and jamming V/UHF radio, so sending and receiving data like targets can be secure.
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