Lebanon selects A-29 Super Tucano for close air support

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The Republic of Lebanon confirmed the purchase of six Embraer-made A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to bolster its air force's close-support capabilities.

The planes were manufactured by Embraer Defense & Security and Sierra Nevada Corporation. Under the contract, which was approved by the U.S. State Department, company officials will support aircraft operation as well as training programs for Lebanese Air Force pilots and mechanics. Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, calls the Super Tucano the best and most capable aircraft on the market.

"The selection of the A-29 by the Lebanese Air Force is a great testament to the superiority of the Super Tucano and its ability to meet the challenges of the operating theater in the Middle East," Schneider said in a statement regarding the sale.

The A-29 Super Tucano is a light attack aircraft, equipped with integrated Mission & Display Processors, a Missile Approach Warning System and Radar Warning Receiver. The jet's communication systems are similar to training applications for pilots, and a military automatic pilot helps reduce the workload for pilots during longer missions.

Other features on the aircraft include anti-interception and jamming radio, Forward Looking Infrared, and a system that can receive data from ground-based locations or other aircraft without giving away the Super Tucano's position.

"It is ideal for the missions and operational environment faced by Lebanon and a host of other nations," Sierra Nevada Corporation vice president of business development Taco Gilbert said. "We look forward to helping the Lebanese achieve a modern Air Force through use of the A-29 Super Tucano."

The A-29 Super Tucano has been in service for over 10 years, earning Embraer Defense over 230 orders.