US Air Force Welcomes A-29 Super Tucanos for Training Role

The US Air Force Test Pilot School has a new addition to its fleet for the first time in three decades, and it’s turning heads.

Earlier this year, three A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft touched down at Edwards Air Force Base, California, after flying in from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. These sleek and powerful planes represent a fresh chapter for the school, bringing with them exciting possibilities for pilot training and testing.

What’s particularly interesting is the journey these aircraft have been on—from their initial role in counterinsurgency missions to now helping train the next generation of elite pilots. It’s a story of repurposing and innovation, and it shows just how versatile the A-29 really is.

Let’s dive into the history and evolution of the A-29 Super Tucano and why it’s the perfect fit for the US Air Force Test Pilot School.

The A-29 Super Tucano: From the Battlefield to the Classroom

The A-29 Super Tucano has had quite the journey.

Designed by Brazilian aerospace company Embraer and built under license by the US Sierra Nevada Corporation, this light attack aircraft was originally created for counterinsurgency, close air support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

It’s built for rugged environments and comes equipped with modern avionics, making it highly versatile in a variety of combat scenarios.

The US Air Force first got its hands on the A-29 back in 2017 when it was looking for a low-cost, off-the-shelf aircraft that could take the pressure off higher-cost platforms like the A-10 Warthog and F-16 fighter jets.

The A-29 was part of a competition against the AT-6B, another lightweight contender, but in the end, only three A-29s were purchased. These aircraft were mainly used to train pilots from Afghanistan and Nigeria.

Fast forward to 2022, and the Air Force was ready to retire the A-29s, likely through foreign military sales. However, in a turn of events, the A-29s have now found a new life at the Test Pilot School, where they will help train the next generation of elite pilots.

A-29 Super Tucano: A Closer Look

So, what makes the A-29 Super Tucano such a valuable asset? Let’s break down its technical specifications.

The A-29 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68C turboprop engine, giving it a top speed of 370 mph (590 km/h or about 320 knots) and a range of about 830 miles (1,330 km or 720 nmi).

The aircraft is also armed to the teeth—capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including machine guns, bombs, and rockets. With its ability to fly in both low and high altitudes, the A-29 is built for agility and adaptability.

Designed to operate in harsh conditions, the Super Tucano can land on unpaved airstrips and carry out missions in environments that would ground more advanced jets. Its avionics suite includes a glass cockpit, HUD (Head-Up Display), and state-of-the-art navigation systems, making it ideal for training and combat.

But one of its standout features is how cost-effective it is to operate.

In a world where every flight hour for a high-tech jet like the F-35 can cost tens of thousands of dollars, the A-29 offers a more economical option without sacrificing too much in terms of capability.

A New Role in Test Pilot Training

Now that the A-29s are in the hands of the Test Pilot School, they’re not just taking up space in a hangar—they’re offering invaluable new training opportunities.

As Dave Evans, an instructor at the school, noted in a video published by 412th Test Wing in August, the A-29 marks the school’s first “organic spin capability” for powered airplanes since the 1990s.

Spin testing is when a pilot deliberately puts an aircraft into a spin to evaluate how it handles under extreme conditions. This kind of training is crucial for test pilots, who must be prepared to deal with all kinds of unusual flight scenarios.

The A-29’s design also allows it to be used for training and research on weapons and sensors. With its wing pylons that can carry various armaments, students can get a real feel for how to test aircraft systems in combat-like conditions without the costs associated with more advanced platforms.

There’s also a unique challenge that the A-29 presents for students: flying an aircraft with minimal system information.

In one particular test, students are expected to figure out how to fly and land the A-29 with only the most basic details.

“That is a test pilot’s job, in my opinion. And that’s exactly what we are doing here,” Evans said.

A Legacy that Endures

While the A-29 Super Tucano may have started its US Air Force career with modest beginnings, its legacy continues to grow.

What began as a low-cost solution for overseas counterinsurgency operations has now turned into a valuable training tool for the future of American air combat. By finding a new home at the Test Pilot School, the A-29 is proving that even after years of service, it still has a lot to offer.

It’s a testament to the aircraft’s versatility, durability, and overall value. And now, with its role at Edwards Air Force Base, it will continue to push the boundaries of what America’s top test pilots are capable of.

From the battlefield to the classroom, the A-29 shows that sometimes, the best innovations come from thinking outside the box and repurposing valuable resources.

Final Thoughts

The A-29 Super Tucano’s arrival at the US Air Force Test Pilot School is more than just a new chapter for the aircraft—it’s a new opportunity for innovation in test pilot training.

With its spin testing capabilities, modern avionics, and unique challenges, this light attack aircraft is set to make a big impact on the future of the Air Force’s training programs.

And even though its original mission may have changed, the A-29 continues to serve with distinction, proving that a well-designed aircraft can adapt to new roles and keep on flying high.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.