Super Tucano gets U.S. certification

SAO PAULO, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Brazil's Super Tucano aircraft has been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, allowing a demonstration tour of military bases.

"This certification of the Super Tucano by the FAA could have a very positive impact on the market development of this proven aircraft in the United States and is a highly relevant triumph for Embraer Defense and Security," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president of Embraer Defense and Security.

"The Super Tucano is the technologically most advanced airplane in its category, with proven experience in all of the countries where it already operates and we have seen growing interest expressed by armed forces."

One Super Tucano is in operation in the United States with Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc., a defense and aerospace contractor, specialized in providing military training, aerial refueling operations and aircraft maintenance for the U.S. armed forces. The aircraft was acquired from Tactical Air Support, Inc. via a leasing contract.

TacAir was founded in 2005 by instructors from the U.S. Weapons Schools of the Navy, Marines and Air Force, test pilots and maintenance professionals, offers consulting services for tactical military training, and has provided a number of services for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Super Tucano has been in operation for more than seven years and is used by the armed forces of five nations.