USAF to buy ‘limited number' of light attack turboprops

The US Air Force (USAF) is to buy a “limited number” of turboprop aircraft to satisfy the current phase of its Light Attack Experiment (LAE), the service announced on 25 October.

Seen here in Afghan service, the Super Tucano was one of two light strike platforms along with the AT-6B Wolverine the USAF is buying in limited numbers to continue its LAE experiment. A contract for two-to-three Super Tucanos will be awarded before the end of the year. (438th Air Expeditionary Wing)

A final request for proposals (RFP) has been issued for between two and three Sierra Nevada Corp (SNC)-Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos, as well as the same number of Textron Aviation AT-6B Wolverines for further LAE experimentation.

As noted by the USAF, the Super Tucanos will be used at Hurlburt Field in Florida by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to develop an instructor pilot programme for the Combat Aviation Advisory mission to meet increased partner nation requests for light attack assistance. The Wolverines will be used by Air Combat Command (ACC) at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) in Nevada for continued testing and development of operational tactics and standards for exportable, tactical networks that improve interoperability with international partners.

“Our focus is on how a light attack aircraft can help our allies and partners as they confront violent extremism and conduct operations within their borders,” said Air Force Chief of Staff General David L. Goldfein. “Continuing this experiment, [and] using the authorities Congress has provided, gives us the opportunity to put a small number of aircraft through the paces and work with partner nations on ways in which smaller, affordable aircraft like these can support their air forces.”