MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Twelve Brazilian Super Tucanos for Chilean Air Force

Brazil's aircraft manufacturer Embraer signed a contract on Friday to provide the Chilean Air Force (FACH) with 12 Super Tucano for tactical training missions. The first should be delivered in the second half of 2009.

The Super Tucano is currently operated by the Brazilian and Colombia Air Forces for training pilots and high-precision light attack procedures on internal security missions. The Embraer proposal chosen by the Chilean Air Force public bid includes a broad integrated logistic support package and an advanced training an operation support system (TOSS), covering not only the aircraft but also ground support stations. "We are very proud to announce that the Super Tucano is the aircraft chosen by the Chilean Air Force, which is internationally recognized for the high professional capacity of its personnel" said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense and Government Market. "We offer the most efficient and operationally adequate tactical training system on the market, with leading edge technologies and a broad service package. The availability of the Super Tucano will most certainly make a positive contribution to pilot training in the FACH." The TOSS package for the Chilean Air Force will consist of three systems: navigation and attack Mission Planning Station (MPS); Mission Debriefing Station (MDS); and Flight Simulator (FS). The choice of the Super Tucano by the Chilean Air Force will also be a great opportunity to expand the successful partnership between Embraer and Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile – ENAER which was established over ten years ago for developing the ERJ 145 regional jet. Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. - NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil's leading exporters. Embraer's headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops manufactures and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense and Government segments. The Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On June 30, 2008, Embraer had a workforce of 23,855 employees and a firm order backlog of 20.7 billion US dollars.