The first A-29 Super Tucano due for delivery to the Nigerian air force has conducted its maiden flight from Jacksonville, Florida.
“The aircraft met or exceeded all the requirements and we are very pleased with the successful flight,” says Ed Topps, vice president tactical aircraft systems at Sierra Nevada (SNC).
“SNC and our partner, Embraer, are certain the Nigerian air force will be pleased with these aircraft,” he adds.
In November 2018, prime contractor Sierra Nevada was awarded a $329 million Foreign Military Sales contract from the US government to build 12 A-29s for the Nigerian air force. Due for delivery next year, the armed turboprops are intended for use against Boko Haram and ISIS militants.
“This is an exciting milestone in the production of these A-29s for the Nigerian air force,” says Jackson Schneider, chief executive of Embraer Defense & Security.
“The Jacksonville production line is active, and Embraer and SNC look forward to seeing these aircraft continue to roll off the line in the coming months.”
