Embraer Defense & Security has selected TenCate Advanced Armour to supply ballistic protection systems for the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft.
The company, along with local partner Aerotron Brazil, is currently collaborating with Embraer on the joint development phase to finalise the design and prototypes of the ballistic protection according to the challenging time schedule, weight and performance requirements of the aircraft programme.
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TenCate Advanced Armour EMEA managing director Steen Tanderup said the selection confirms TenCate as a tier 1 aerospace armour company.
Tanderup said: ”The EN9100 certified facility of TenCate in France is providing the design, development and production of dedicated high quality aerospace ballistic protection for a number of high-profile helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft projects.
”This production plant is at the required level and will further evolve in the near future. In this way TenCate will contribute to increase the protection of aircrews and aircraft platforms in hostile environments.”
Powered by a PT6A-68A turboprop engine, the A-29 Super Tucano is designed for conducting a wide range of military operations, including light attack, counter insurgency (COIN), air-to-air interception, close air support and aerial reconnaissance missions in low-threat environments.
Featuring advanced electronic/optical/infrared (EO/IR) and laser technology, secure radios with datalink communications and weaponry, the aircraft can also be configured for pilot training purposes.
The A-29 Super Tucano was also selected by the US Air Force (USAF) for its light air support (LAS) programme in February 2013.
Executed in collaboration with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the $427.5m LAS contract covers supply of 20 aircraft, along with associated maintenance and training support.
The aircraft is currently operational with the air forces of Angola, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Indonesia and Mauritania.
Image: A Dominican Republic’s A-29 Super Tucano aircraft on patrol. Photo: courtesy of Lt. Col. Jonas Reynoso.
