“This opportunity to serve the US Government with the best product for the LAS mission, under the leadership of the Sierra Nevada Corporation as the prime contractor, honors us,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “We are committed to pursuing our U.S. investment strategy and to delivering the A-29 Super Tucano on schedule and within the budget.”

As specified by the Air Force, this is a firm-fixed price delivery order contract in the amount of $355 million for the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft and associated support. Twenty LAS aircraft will be provided, as well as ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment.

“We are honored by this decision and the opportunity to serve our country,” said Taco Gilbert, Vice President of ISR Business Development at SNC. “We believe in the goals of the Light Air Support mission and are proud to be able to support the United States in its partner-building efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. American warfighters, American workers, and our partner nations all win with this award.”

The LAS mission requires a non-developmental solution that provides the versatility, engagement, and persistence that the warfighter needs in a counterinsurgency environment, at a significantly lower cost than fighter jets. That aircraft must offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities; deliver a wide variety of munitions (including precision guided weapons); and operate in extremely rugged terrain and austere conditions.

The A-29 Super Tucano was built specifically for counterinsurgency missions and is currently used by five air forces and on order by others. It has proven extremely capable for LAS missions and is credited with helping the Colombian government defeat the FARC and other governments counter illegal activities. The 150+ units now in operation around the world have logged over 130,000 flight hours, including more than 18,000 combat hours without any combat loss.

The LAS aircraft is a single-engine turboprop fixed-wing aircraft with tricycle, retractable landing gear, and tandem two-place pressurized cockpit with ejection seats, capable of operating from semi-prepared air fields.

Ground training devices support pilot training. Interim contractor support is required for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment, consisting of the following:

• 20 LAS aircraft;
• one lot interim contractor support long lead in the continental United States;
• one lot interim contractor support base activation outside the continental United States;
• six mission planning stations;
• six mission debrief systems;
• one computer based trainer ground training device;
• one flight training device ground training device;
• one lot LAS flight certification to United States Air Force Military Training Center standards.

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant growth and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems, and solar energy. Under current leadership since 1981, SNC’s seven unique business areas employ over 2,100 people in 29 different locations in 15 states, all of whom are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base. SNC is the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States.

“Portugal’s participation in the KC-390 program strengthens our position in the European defense market,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security.

A Declaration of Intent between the Brazilian and Portuguese Ministries of Defense, signed in September 2010, preceded this contract, which emphasizes Portugal’s commitment to purchasing KC-390 airplanes.

“The agreement provides an opportunity for boosting the capabilities of the military aviation cluster, so as to generate and develop technological competencies,” said Jacinto Moniz de Bettencourt, EEA President.

“This is a unique opportunity for OGMA to develop its technological and manufacturing capabilities within a high aggregate value military program,” said OGMA President Almir Borges.

EEA – Empresa de Engenharia Aeronáutica S.A., located in the city of Maia, in the Minho region, Portugal, is dedicated to conceiving, promoting and carrying out engineering projects, to testing, and to developing and supplying aeronautical products and structures.

OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal S.A. is an aeronautics company with a long and respected tradition in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. At its facilities in Alverca, OGMA employs engineers and technicians for civilian and military aircraft maintenance, and for manufacturing airframe segments of metal and composite materials.

“This flight concludes another important phase in this program and starts the flight test campaign,” said Eduardo Bonini Santos Pinto, Senior Vice President Operations & COO – Embraer Defense and Security. “We are moving toward delivery of the first aircraft during the first half 2012.”

Based on the proven Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet, the aircraft features an in-flight refueling system, SATCOM capability, a significant increase in electrical and cooling capacities, and a comprehensive set of aerodynamic and structural changes. These improvements will allow the installation of the advanced electronic systems currently being developed by India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) with CABS (Centre for Airborne Systems) as the nodal agency.

Currently, four Embraer Legacy 600 jets are operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the transportation of Indian VIPs and foreign dignitaries, and a fifth Embraer Legacy 600 is in service with the Border Security Force (BSF), under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Embraer has a strong presence in the Indian market, and counts both the national government, and private organizations, as customers of a variety of its products. Besides the IAF and the BSF, the Company has successfully placed Executive Jets with private companies in India, such as Aviators Pvt. Ltd. – the first Phenom executive jet customer in the region – and Invision Pvt. Ltd., which holds the largest order for Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets in India, to date.

To support the operations of the growing number of Embraer Executive Jet customers and operators in the country, Embraer has named Indamer Pvt. Ltd. and Air Works Pvt. Ltd. as authorized service providers in the country.

These additional aircraft, recently acquired by the FAB, will receive the same configuration as those from the initial 46 F-5 jets currently completing the upgrade process. The first delivery of this second batch of upgraded jets is scheduled for 2013.

“The continuation of the F-5 fleet modernization is clearly another good example of the confidence that FAB deposits in Embraer Defense and Security to meet their needs,” says Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Commercial Vice President, Embraer Defense and Security. “The modernization of this second group of F-5 jets consolidates our strategy for providing this type of service, positioning ourselves in a market niche that is of long-term importance to the customer.”

The F-5E (single-seat) and F-5F (two-seat) fighters were incorporated into the Brazilian Air Force, starting in the 1970s. The modernization program is centered on providing the aircraft with state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, new avionics, air-to-air refueling system, and greater operational capability, thus extending the useful life of the aircraft for at least 15 more years.

Based on the proven Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet, the aircraft features an in-flight refueling system, SATCOM capability, a significant increase in electrical and cooling capacities, and a comprehensive set of aerodynamic and structural changes. These improvements will allow the installation of the advanced electronic systems currently being developed by India’s Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) under CABS (Center for Airborne Systems) coordination.

Following its official presentation, the aircraft will start intensive ground and flight tests. The ferry flight to India is scheduled for the second semester of this year, where it will receive the equipment being developed by the DRDO.

“The smooth progress of such a complex program is strongly based on the good will and the high level of professionalism that both the Indian and Brazilian teams have demonstrated over the last two-and-a-half years. Given Embraer’s experience in the field of ISR aircraft and equipment, we believe that this jointly developed product will offer outstanding operational capability, and we look forward to its entry into service,” said Eduardo Bonini, Senior Vice President Operations & COO – Embraer Defense and Security.

Today, four Embraer Legacy 600 jets are operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the transportation of Indian VIPs and foreign dignitaries, and a fifth Embraer Legacy 600 is in service with the Border Security Force (BSF), under India’s Home Ministry.

Embraer has a strong presence in the Indian market, and counts both the national government, and private organizations, as customers of a variety of its products. Besides the IAF and the BSF, the Company has successfully placed Executive Jets with private companies in India, such as Aviators Pvt. Ltd. – the first Phenom executive jet customer in the region – and Invision Pvt. Ltd., which holds the largest order for Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets in India, to date.

To support the operations of the growing number Embraer Executive Jet customers and operators in the country, Embraer has named Indamer Pvt. Ltd. and Air Works Pvt. Ltd. as authorized service providers in the country.

"We're very proud to support the Brazilian Air Force in keeping this strategic aircraft fully operational," explains Orlando Jose Ferreira Neto, Commercial Vice President, Embraer Defense and Security. "With this new contract, we will be able to more adequately get the aircraft prepared and ready for their subsequent modernization program, under an ongoing contract, so as to ensure a more efficient and steady flow for the fighters' overall updating process and to expedite their return to operation."

The original modernization contract focuses on an upgrade of the electronic systems of the AMX jets, called the A-1 by the FAB. This new agreement deals with a structural overhaul and the repair and substitution of other outdated equipment.

The maiden flight of the modernized single-seat prototype is planned for early 2012, when the flight testing of the systems will begin. The first delivery is expected by the end of 2012.

The Brazilian Air Force began operations with the AMX 20 years ago. This new contract will strengthen the long and productive relationship between Embraer and the FAB, by contributing to improving Brazil's defense system.

The deal includes ground support stations and an integrated logistics package, and represents the debut of the Super Tucano in the Asia Pacific region. Deliveries will begin in 2012.

“We are very pleased to have the Indonesian Air Force as the newest customer of Embraer Defense Systems,” said Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense Market. “The Super Tucano is a proven light attack and advanced trainer turboprop, flying currently in five air forces, and we are certain it will perfectly suit Indonesia’s needs.”

The Super Tucano has been chosen to replace a fleet of OV-10 Broncos, due to its flexibility to perform a broad range of missions, including light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, and counter insurgence. The Super Tucano is a mature, action-proven airplane, with more than 100,000 flight hours, always demonstrating superb mission efficiency and reliability.

Equipped for military missions and designed to operate from unpaved runways, the Super Tucano’s unmatched weaponry capacity comes with a wide variety of external options, including conventional and laser-guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, and others.

The aircraft is also equipped with Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, including laser designator, and secure radios with datalink communications.

The Super Tucano is an innovative evolution of the world-renowned basic training Tucano aircraft, of which around 650 are in service with 15 air forces, worldwide, and was developed according to the stringent requirements of the Brazilian Air Force.

The Super Tucano was designed to operate in complex combat settings, and it is equipped with the latest technology in the avionic system, including night-vision capability, Electro- Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors including laser designation, secure communications suite and data link.

Besides a reinforced structure for operations on unpaved landing fields, the airplane has an advanced navigation and weapon aiming system that ensures high mission precision and reliability, using conventional or smart weapons, even under extreme conditions.

The aircraft requires minimal logistical support for continuous operation.

The Super Tucano is operating in five air forces, and successfully accomplishing advanced training, border surveillance, light attack and counter insurgency missions, with more than 100,000 flight hours logged.

Besides the airplane, Embraer also supplies an advanced training and support system package for Super Tucano operations. The TOSS (Training and Operation Support System) consists of four systems: CBT (Computer-Based Training) that improves pilot learning; FS (Flight Simulator); MPS (Mission Planning Stations); and MDS (Mission Debriefing Station), all developed by Embraer.

Embraer is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, China, France, Portugal, Singapore, and the United States. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft for the commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defense segments. The Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide.

On September 30, 2010, Embraer had a workforce of 17,009 employees – not counting the employees of its partly owned subsidiaries – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 15.3 billion.

The airplanes will be operated by the Dominican Air Force on missions involving internal security, border patrol, and combating the drug traffic. This contract represents the fourth export of this successful turboprop, after being sold to the Air Forces of Colombia (FAC), Chile (FACH), and Ecuador (FAE).

“The use of the Super Tucano airplanes by the Dominican Air Force, beginning with these first two deliveries, will increase the readiness and solidity of the nation’s defense system, by performing patrol missions with the operational efficiency and precision that are already combat proven,” said Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense Market. “We are pleased to be able to serve another prestigious customer, the Dominican Air Force.”

The choice made by the Air Force of the Dominican Republic confirms that the association of high versatility, top performance, and low acquisition, operational and maintenance costs make the Super Tucano one of the best multimission airplanes available on the market.

“The acquisition of these Super Tucano aircraft, manufactured by one of the world’s most prestigious companies, is one more example of the Government’s unshakeable decision to deal with the nation’s vulnerable areas, in order to protect ourselves from the scourge of the drug traffic,” stated the Secretary of Defense of the Dominican Republic, Lieutenant General Pedro Rafael Peña Antonio. “This is also happy day, because it represents the achievement of a dream. A dream that became a project and soon was changed into action. It is another example of the genuine and undeniable concern of the Dominican people to pursue the solutions needed to make possible a more certain future for all of us.”

Eighty-three Super Tucanos have been delivered to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and 25 to the FAC, where they are successfully used for border patrol, combating the drug traffic, and other combat missions. In all, 172 of the aircraft have been sold to seven customers.

The fact that several air forces, with their specific technical needs and varied tactical and operational theaters, and using a diversity of selection processes, have decided on the Super Tucano, shows the robust and reliable nature of the project, the correctness of the FAB’s original requirements, and the flexibility of Embraer in meeting the needs of the most demanding customers.

The Super Tucano is an innovative evolution of the world-renowned basic training Tucano aircraft, of which around 650 are in service with 15 air forces, worldwide.

The Super Tucano was designed to operate in the most complex combat settings, including night-vision capability, smart weaponry, and data link technology. Besides a reinforced structure for operations on rustic landing fields, the airplane has an advanced navigation and weapon aiming system that ensures high mission precision and reliability, even under extreme conditions and with minimal logistical support.

The turboprop is in full production on a very active and flexible assembly line, in keeping with Embraer’s ability to meet its customers’ needs and deliver aircraft within short time spans.

Besides the airplane, Embraer also supplies an advanced training and support system for the operations of the Super Tucano. TOSS (Training and Operation Support System) consists of four systems: CBT (Computer-Based Training) that improves pilot learning; FS (Flight Simulator); MPS (Mission Planning Stations); and MDS (Mission Debriefing Station) to analyze mission data and results.

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.) is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, China, France, Portugal, Singapore, and the United States. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft for the commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defense segments. The Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide.
On September 30, 2009, Embraer had a workforce of 16,986 employees – not counting the employees of its partly owned subsidiaries – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 18.6 billion.

This is the first large-scale program between the company and the Navy, and its sole objective is to technologically upgrade the 12 aircraft.

“Embraer is honored by the confidence of the Brazilian Navy, and receives it as a new distinguished defense customer among over 20 armed forces which currently operate its aircraft around the world.” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. “By choosing Embraer, the Navy is making an important contribution to consolidating the technological and industrial capacity of Brazil for modernizing military aircraft.”

The 12 airplanes that will be modernized are known, worldwide, as the A-4 Skyhawk. This upgrading will fully restore the operating capacity of the Navy’s 1st Intercept and Attack Plane Squadron, for their joint mission with the naval and navy air force groups in the Nation’s defense. The program includes restoring the aircraft and their current systems, as well as implementing new avionics, radar, power production, and autonomous oxygen generating systems.

This contract demonstrates Embraer’s commitment to offer its customers modern products, with advanced technology and quality services. The Company has recently worked on upgrading the Brazilian Air Force’s F-5 and A-1 (AMX) fighter jets. With this program, Embraer, in conjunction with the Brazilian Navy and Air Force, as well as the Ministry of Defense, fulfills its role in assuring gains in technological capability and in generating highly qualified jobs in Brazil.

Embraer is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense and Government segments. The Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31, 2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.

The event was attended by the Minister of Defense, Nelson Jobim, the Head of the Navy, Admiral Júlio Soares de Moura Neto, the Brazilian Aeronautics Commander, General Juniti Saito, and Embraer President & CEO Frederico Fleury Curado.

“The launch of the KC-390 program is a new landmark in the historical strategic partnership between the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. “We are convinced that the development of the KC-390 will result in an effective cargo and tanker aircraft for the FAB and shall also become another successful export platform for both Embraer and Brazil.”

The FAB established the requirements for this aircraft, just as has occurred with other successful products manufactured by Embraer, like the Bandeirante, the Tucano, the aerial surveillance and remote sensing versions of the ERJ 145, which are used in the Amazon Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância da Amazônia – SIVAM), and the Super Tucano.

The new jet will meet the needs of the FAB, in full compliance with the new National Defense Strategy. The participation of other countries in this program will be evaluated, in conjunction with the FAB, and the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2015.

The KC-390 Program will contribute, in the short term, to maintaining highly qualified jobs, and, longer-term, it has the potential for generating significant export volumes with important aggregate value.

The existence of a study regarding this military transport aircraft was presented two years ago, at LAAD 2007. The jet will have a cargo bay equipped with an aft ramp, to transport a wide variety of types of cargo, including armored vehicles, and will be outfitted with the most modern systems for handling and launching cargos.

The new jet can be refueled in flight and can be used for in-flight or on-ground refueling of other aircraft. The cargo bay will allow configurations for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. The technical advances of the KC-390 include fly-by-wire technology, which lessens pilot work load by optimizing mission results and increasing safety and the capability for operating on short and rustic runways.

The FAB already operates other transport aircraft manufactured by Embraer, like the EMB 120 Brasilia, the ERJ 145, and the Legacy 600. Besides these, the fleet of military aircraft designed and manufactured in Brazil, like the Tucano, the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) airplanes operated within the SIVAM, and the Super Tucano, as well as the AMX, which was developed in a partnership with Italian companies. In June 2008, Embraer signed a contract for the sale of two EMBRAER 190 jets to the FAB, which will be configured especially for carrying authorities.

Embraer is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense and Government segments. The Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31, 2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.