The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano: A Modern Classic
Strongly armored and armed to the teeth with a deadly arsenal of air-to-surface weapons, ground-attack aircraft have played a pivotal role in revolutionizing combat tactics in support of ground forces since World War II. Dubbed as the “assassins” of ground enemies, aircraft like the Su-25 and A-10 Thunderbolt II have earned their reputation as the best close air support machines, effectively neutralizing threats on the battlefield.
Apart from military giants like the United States and Russia, Brazil has also entered the arena of close air support aircraft production with the arrival of the EMB-314 Super Tucano.
Initially designed in the early 2000s as a training aircraft, the EMB-314 Super Tucano underwent a transformation with the addition of Kevlar armor, two 12.7mm machine guns, and the capability to carry 20mm cannons, missiles, and bombs, turning it into a potent airborne weapon.
Background
The end of the Cold War ushered in new threats that couldn’t always be addressed by high-performance fighters. This was particularly challenging in regions with expansive and porous borders.
Embraer introduced the EMB-314, a versatile aircraft capable of meeting contemporary military training requirements and suitable for deployment in scenarios where high-performance combat aircraft wouldn’t excel.
The Super Tucano, also known as ALX or A-29, may evoke the classic aesthetics of World War II-era fighters, but beneath its nostalgic exterior lies the most modern light attack aircraft in the turboprop family. Powered by a turboprop engine that allows for a low cruising speed, Super Tucano provides pilots with the necessary time to identify and lock onto their targets, a crucial aspect of ground support missions.
The Super Tucano is an enhanced version, boasting faster speed and higher altitude capabilities compared to its predecessor, the EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft, which is operational in the air forces of 17 countries. While it comes in both single and dual-seat variants, their fundamental design remains consistent.
Design
Inheriting the sleek design of its predecessor, the Super Tucano features a longer fuselage than the EMB-312 Tucano. The cockpit is positioned towards the rear of the aircraft, with a canopy that offers panoramic views. The all-glass cockpit is night-vision compatible.
The aircraft is equipped with avionics systems from Elbit Systems of Haifa, Israel, including a head-up display, advanced mission computer, navigation system, and two color liquid crystal multi-function displays. The pilot enjoys hands-on throttle and stick control, Kevlar armor protection, and a zero-zero ejection seat. The aircraft’s structure is corrosion-resistant, and its side-hinged canopy can withstand bird strike impacts up to 500 km/h.
Super Tucano features straight wings mounted low on the fuselage, with four external hardpoints and one under the fuselage, totaling five hard points. The tail comprises a vertical fin and two low-mounted horizontal planes. Retractable landing gear includes two single-wheeled main landing gears and a single-wheeled nose gear.
The aircraft’s compact size, low visual and radar signatures, high speed, and agility contribute to its exceptional survivability.
Powerplant
The Super Tucano is powered by a robust 1,600 shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C engine, driving a Hartzell five-bladed constant speed, fully feathering reversible pitch propeller. It boasts a climb rate of 24m/s.
The maximum and cruise speeds of the aircraft are 590 and 520 km/h, respectively. With a range of 4,820 km and a service ceiling of 10,670 m, the Super Tucano offers a maximum endurance of six hours and 30 minutes. It weighs 3 tons and can take off at a maximum weight of 5.2 tons.
Armament
The Super Tucano features two central mission computers and an integrated weapon system with software for weapon aiming, management, mission planning, and rehearsal. Onboard recording is employed for post-mission analysis.
With a maximum external load capacity of 1,500 kg, the aircraft is equipped with two wing-mounted 12.7mm machine guns boasting a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute. Its armament options include unguided rockets, gun pods, air-to-air missiles, free-fall bombs, and smart munitions. This design flexibility allows for operations from unprepared runways, day or night.
Potential
Costing between $9 million and $18 million, depending on quantity and optional features, each Super Tucano is an affordable solution for various export customers. The operating costs range from $430 to $500 per hour of flight, making it an attractive low-cost system. In addition to manufacturing in Brazil, Embraer has established a production line in the United States in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation to cater to export customers.
While not as powerful as American and Russian legends, the Super Tucano is highly effective in anti-guerrilla missions in hotspots worldwide. It has been employed by the Colombian government in counter-drug operations and by the U.S. against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. Its cost-effectiveness and moderate capabilities make it a suitable choice for countries that seek defense solutions without a hefty investment.
In conclusion, the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano combines modern capabilities with a classic design, making it a versatile and cost-effective asset in the realm of ground attack aircraft.
