Embraer has announced that its versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano, has been enhanced with counter-drone capabilities to tackle modern unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats. Built largely upon existing sensors and systems, this solution offers an affordable and effective air defense capability for current and future A-29 operators worldwide.
A-29 Super Tucano Expands Its Mission Portfolio with Counter-UAV Operations
Embraer revealed that it has expanded the mission portfolio of the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft to provide an effective and economical solution against the rapidly growing global threat of modern unmanned aerial systems (UAS). With this move, the aircraft’s already broad mission set now includes counter-drone operations.
This new capability of the A-29 Super Tucano is largely based on its existing sensors and systems and is immediately available to both current and future A-29 users.
Details of the New Capabilities and Operational Concept
Embraer stated that it has expanded the mission portfolio of the A-29 Super Tucano to allow it to combat modern unmanned threats effectively and economically.
Leveraging the aircraft’s existing operational features and new sensors, the A-29 can now neutralize targeted unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In the initial stage, dedicated data links are used to receive target coordinates and track the target’s tailing path. Next, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors integrated for laser tracking and target designation come into play. Finally, targets can be neutralized using laser-guided rockets and wing-mounted .50-caliber machine guns.
The Operational Concept (CONOPS) defined by Embraer has been designed to enable both current and future A-29 operators to add counter-drone missions to their operational profiles whenever needed.
Embraer CEO: A-29 Is the Ideal Low-Cost Counter-UAS Solution
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated that the company continues to enhance the A-29’s capabilities to address the most pressing challenges faced by nations worldwide. He emphasized that the ongoing challenges of modern warfare and recent global conflicts have highlighted the urgent need for counter-drone solutions. da Costa said: “The A-29 is the ideal platform to counter unmanned aerial systems effectively and at low cost. It adds to the aircraft’s existing mission set, which includes close air support, armed reconnaissance, advanced training, and many other roles.”
Unique Features and Global Success of the A-29 Super Tucano
The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile and robust turboprop aircraft known for its rugged design, enabling operations from unpaved runways and austere forward bases. As the world leader in its class, the aircraft has accumulated over 600,000 flight hours in service.
Core Mission Set of the A-29 Super Tucano
The A-29 Super Tucano is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including advanced pilot training, Close Air Support (CAS), air patrol, air interdiction, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training, armed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), border surveillance, and air escort. Counter-Drone Operations have now been added to this portfolio.
Equipped with state-of-the-art target identification and weapon systems, the A-29 stands as the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category. Its advanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) avionics and ability to operate without extensive infrastructure enhance its mission flexibility.
With low maintenance requirements and reduced life-cycle costs, the Super Tucano remains the aircraft of choice for 22 air forces worldwide.
SOURCE: C4Defence
