The US Air Force has launched the second phase of a light attack experiment at Holloman Air Force Base on 7 may which is being conducted to ensure rapid procurement process and to gather additional information about aircraft capabilities, as well as partner nation interoperability, prior to a potential light attack purchase.

The Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and Textron Aviation AT-6 Wolverine began an open-ended series of experiments at Holloman AFB. Both aircraft also participated in the first phase of the experiment in August 2017, along with Textron Aviation’s Scorpion and AT-802L Longsword developed by L3 Technologies in co-operation with Air Tractor.

Flight scenarios will consist of both day and night missions in air interdiction, close air support, armed overwatch, and combat search and rescue. Maintenance observers will focus on flightline and in-shop maintenance, to inform sustainment and product support requirements.