PAF Newest Bird

Embraer Wins Close Air Support Contract
8 June 2017

Brazil aircraft manufacturer Embraer has won P4.9 billion (US$101 million) contract for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for six (6) close-air support (CAS) aircraft.

The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano aircraft is operated by Air Forces of Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Chile, Dominican Republic and Ecuador with a price tag of $15 million. It will replace the U.S.-made Rockwell OV-10 Bronco turboprop aircraft in the CAS and counter-insurgency (COIN) mission role.

The Brazilian aircraft was pitted to Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II Wolverine and Aero Vodochody made Aero L-39 Albatros of the Czech Republic. The Czech company did not submit bid while Beechcraft was subsequently disqualified for failure to comply the technical component of the bid.

PAF technical specifications require offered aircraft with dual tandem seating and a carrying capacity of at least 3,000 lbs with five hard points. The aircraft must also have two .50 caliber guns built in or through pods.

The winning bidder will be required to deliver the six aircraft within 540 calendar days upon the receipt of notice to proceed.