SPARKS, Nev., May 24 (UPI) -- The Sierra Nevada Corp. and the U.S. subsidiary of Brazil's Embraer S.A. have taken to the Internet to promote Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano.
The Web site -- www.BuiltForTheMission.com -- is part of a bid to win a contract to supply aircraft, training and support for the U.S. Air Force's Light Air Support mission.
"Selection of the A-29 Super Tucano is a win for the mission, a win for the warfighter and a win for the American companies and American workers who will contribute to the process," said Taco Gilbert, SNC's vice president of ISR Business Development. "SNC teamed with Embraer to offer the Super T because it is the single best combat-proven platform for the LAS mission."
The LAS mission requires a non-developmental solution that provides the versatility and engagement that the warfighter needs in a counterinsurgency environment, at a significantly lower cost.
The aircraft must offer intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support; be able to deliver a wide variety of munitions; and operate in rugged terrain and in austere conditions.
The LAS program will provide the Afghanistan air corps with approximately 20 aircraft and another 15 to the U.S. Air Force for its partner-building capability.
A decision on the contract winner is expected to be announced next month.
SNC and Embraer said that if it wins the award, the A-29 Super Tucano would be built in Jacksonville, Fla. More than 60 U.S. companies in 19 states would supply parts or services for the contract.
