Major Brazil-based aerospace and defence group Embraer has announced that it is adapting its very successful A-29 Super Tucano turboprop light attack aircraft to also be able to destroy drones. Drones have become a major factor in modern wars, and were also beginning to appear in African conflicts as well. Consequently, combatting them – known formally as Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) missions – has become a major concern, worldwide.

The A-29 is currently operated, or on order, by 22 countries. The known African operators are Angola, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria. More than 290 of the aircraft have been ordered, and more than 260 delivered, so far. The global fleet had so far accumulated a total flying time of more than 600 000 hours.

“We continue to expand the A-29’s capabilities to address the most recent challenges faced by many nations worldwide,” highlighted Embraer Defence & Security president and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior. “The continued challenges in modern warfare and the recent conflicts worldwide have shown the urgent need for solutions to fight drones. The A-29 is the ideal tool to counter UAS effectively and at low cost, adding to the aircraft’s already extensive mission set that includes close air support, armed reconnaissance, advanced training, and many others.”

For C-UAS missions, the A-29 used both its existing systems (including its fixed wing-mounted 12.7 mm machine guns) and new systems. These latter included fitting the aircraft’s ventral electro-optical/infrared sensor ball with a laser tracker and designator, and integrating laser-guided rockets (which would make use of the laser designation to home in on to the targetted drones) with the A-29. Further, Embraer has developed a Concept of Operations to enable current and future Super Tucano operators to incorporate C-UAS missions into their operational profiles, when required.

“The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite,” affirmed Embraer. “Its capability is further enhanced by advanced human-machine interface avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers a high level of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low lifecycle costs.”