The Portuguese Ministry of National Defense signed a contract with Embraer to acquire 12 A-29N Super Tucanos that will equip the Portuguese Air Force, making Portugal the launch customer of the new variant of this advanced trainer and light attack aircraft. This acquisition reflects Portugal’s commitment to modernising its Air Force with a versatile and proven aircraft, ideally suited for Advanced Pilot Training, Light Attack, Close Air Support (CAS) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The A-29N Super Tucano variant incorporates advanced avionics, NATO-specific communications systems and other non-disclosed new capabilities tailored to meet Portugal’s operational requirements. With this purchase, Portugal becomes the first nation to operate the A-29N, leading the way in adopting a very capable platform designed to support a wide range of modern defense missions.
“We would like to thank the Portuguese Ministry of National Defense and Air Force for the trust they place in Embraer solutions. This contract gives us the opportunity to contribute to the modernisation of the Portuguese Air Force and to further deepen our strong partnership, paving the way for additional industrial cooperation with the local defense industry,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category, boasting over 260 orders, surpassing 570,000 flight hours, with 60,000 of those in combat. The number of air forces operating the A-29 Super Tucano is steadily expanding due to its unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most cost-effective option in the market. For Air Forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions such as Advanced Pilot Training, CAS, Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, JTAC Training, Armed ISR, Border Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Air Escort.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced HMI avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways in austere environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers high levels of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life cycle costs.
Brazil taps StandardAero to support Super Tucano fleet PT6A-68C engines
StandardAero has been selected by the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C engines powering its fleet of Embraer A-29A and A-29B Super Tucano aircraft. The Brazilian Air Force utilises the A-29 Super Tucano for a variety of roles, including training, air interception and surveillance missions. The type is also flown by the service’s Air Demonstration Squadron (EDA), also known as ‘Smoke Squadron.’
StandardAero is a Pratt & Whitney Canada authorised PT6A Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF), with distribution rights on certain engine models, and will be supporting the Brazilian Air Force’s PT6A-68C engine fleet from its Center of Excellence (COE) for Turboprop Engine MRO in Summerside, PE, Canada. The Summerside facility provides MRO support for PT6A-68 operators worldwide, its capabilities including a dedicated “high-G” test cell which is able to emulate the G-forces encountered by PT6A-68 engines in highly manoeuvrable platforms such as the Super Tucano.
Last November, StandardAero celebrated its 10th anniversary of supporting the PT6A-68 family, and its 500th PT6A-68 overhaul. In 2024, StandardAero is celebrating its 60th year of supporting the global PT6A operator community from its four overhaul locations and eleven service center locations for the engine worldwide.
“StandardAero is honoured to have been entrusted by the Força Aérea Brasileira with the support of its PT6A-68C engine fleet,” commented Jeff Poirier, Vice President/General Manager of the Turboprops & Fleets (TPAF) Business Unit for StandardAero. “As the world’s largest customer for the PT6A-68C engine variant, the FAB knows this powerplant better than any other operator, and is clearly discerning when it comes to selecting a reliable, responsive MRO provider. The entire team here at StandardAero truly appreciates the confidence shown in us by the FAB, and looks forward to supporting their mission with high-quality engine MRO services for many years to come.”
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