Attack Aircraft
Embraer A-29 Super Tucano
The Embraer A-29 Super Tucano is a Brazilian turboprop light attack and trainer aircraft made by Embraer, in service since 2003. About 290 have been built, and it has flown in combat in Colombia, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
Brazil|EmbraerWhat Is the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano? Overview, History and Development
Embraer developed the Super Tucano from the EMB 312 Tucano, and it first flew on 2 June 1999. Brazilian Air Force service began in 2003. A Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68A turboprop of 1,600 shp gives it a top speed of about 590 km/h and a ceiling of about 10,670 m. It carries two 12.7 mm machine guns and up to 1,550 kg on five hardpoints, including bombs, rockets and AIM-9 missiles, with a FLIR and laser designator.
About 290 have been built. Operators include Brazil with about 99, Colombia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Angola, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Lebanon, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US. The US bought 20 for the Afghan Air Force, which flew out in 2021. Lebanon received 6 in 2017. Combat use includes Colombia against FARC in 2008, Afghanistan, Nigeria against Boko Haram, and Mali and Burkina Faso. Unit price is about US$18 to 23 million.
Embraer A-29 Super Tucano Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Embraer A-29 Super Tucano Variants and Versions Compared
The A-29A is the single-seat light attack version.
The A-29B is the two-seat version used for training and attack missions.
The A-29 AMX label is sometimes confused with the AMX jet, but the Super Tucano is a separate Brazilian turboprop design.
Which Countries Use the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano? Operators and Users
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
Dominican Republic
Chile
Burkina Faso
Ghana
Angola
Nigeria
Mali
Mauritania
Lebanon
Indonesia
Philippines
United StatesEmbraer A-29 Super Tucano FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does an A-29 Super Tucano cost?
An Embraer A-29 Super Tucano costs about US$18 to 23 million per aircraft, according to US FMS estimates. Prices vary by equipment.
How many A-29 Super Tucanos have been built?
About 290 Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos have been built, according to Embraer. Brazil’s air force has about 99. Earlier counts were about 270 by 2023, and operators span Latin America, Africa, Asia and the US.
Which countries use the Super Tucano?
Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Angola, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Lebanon, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US use the Super Tucano.
Is the Super Tucano good against drones?
The A-29 Super Tucano is a slow propeller aircraft, so it is not designed to catch drones, though it carries AIM-9 missiles. Its main strength is close air support in counter-insurgency.
A-29 vs Hürkuş: which is better?
The A-29 Super Tucano is combat-proven with about 290 built, while Türkiye’s Hürkuş-C is a newer light attack and trainer. They compete in export bids.
Does Lebanon use the A-29?
Yes, Lebanon operates six Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos, delivered in 2017 under US funding. Egypt and the Gulf states do not use it.