A-29 Super Tucano Wins Air Force Bid for Light Air Support Mission

SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION and EMBRAER DEFENSE & SECURITY to supply aircraft, training and support to the Light Air Support program. A-29 Super Tucano to be built in Jacksonville, FL; over 70 U.S. companies to supply parts and services

SPARKS, Nev., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eren Ozmen, President, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), and Luiz Carlos Aguiar, CEO, Embraer Defense and Security (Embraer), today announced that the U.S. Air Force has selected SNC, partnered with Embraer, to supply Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft to be used as part of the U.S. government's partner building efforts in Afghanistan and other nations. The A-29 Super Tucano will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111230/DC28630)

As specified by the Air Force, SNC is being awarded a firm-fixed price delivery order 0001 contract in the amount of $355,126,541 for the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft and associated support. The delivery order is being issued under the simultaneously awarded basic contract FA8637-12-D-6001, an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. The initial demand is for 20 LAS aircraft together with ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment.

"We are honored by this decision and the opportunity to serve our country," said Taco Gilbert, Vice President of ISR Business Development at SNC. "We believe in the goals of the Light Air Support mission and are proud to be able to support the United States in its partner-building efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. American warfighters, American workers, and our partner nations all win with this award."

The LAS mission requires a non-developmental solution that provides the versatility, engagement, and persistence that the warfighter needs in a counterinsurgency environment, at a significantly lower cost than fighter jets. That aircraft must offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities; deliver a wide variety of munitions configurations, including precision guided munitions; and operate in extremely rugged terrain and austere conditions.

The A-29 Super Tucano was built specifically for counterinsurgency missions and is currently used by six air forces and on order by others. It has proven extremely capable for LAS missions and is credited with helping the Colombian government defeat the FARC and other governments counter illegal activities. The more than 150 units now in operation around the world have logged over 130,000 flight hours, including more than 18,000 combat hours without any combat loss.

"We are ready to support the LAS mission immediately," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President Embraer Defense and Security. "This is a tremendous opportunity for Embraer, the citizens of Florida and the thousands of employees who will be part of our supply chain. We look forward to working with SNC and the U.S. Air Force to provide these aircraft."

The LAS bid process received strong support from political leaders and Members of Congress from many states, including Florida, Nevada, Colorado, Texas and Oregon. "The goal of Sierra Nevada's team, which included its partner Embraer and major suppliers FLIR, based in Oregon, and Elbit Systems of America, based in Texas, was to present the U.S. Air Force and partner nations with the best LAS capability. We appreciate the many Members of Congress and other officials who supported a fair and open competition. We are particularly grateful to the many Florida state officials and members of the Florida congressional delegation who assisted in establishing a production facility in their state that will result in the creation of new jobs, bringing prosperity to their communities," SNC's Gilbert said.

The A-29 Super Tucano will be built in Jacksonville, FL by American employees with parts from American companies. Aircraft training will be provided in Clovis, NM. More than 70 U.S. suppliers in 21 states will supply parts or services for this contract. At least 1,200 U.S. jobs will be supported through this contract.

Embraer is now moving to prepare for assembly operations. The new production facility in Jacksonville joins a facility in Melbourne recently opened by Embraer to assemble executive jets.

With a fully developed aircraft, a familiar supply chain and SNC's expertise in providing in-theater logistical support, commanders in theater will take possession of the first A-29 Super Tucanos on-schedule and on-budget as per the LAS requirements.

Embraer will provide the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft; ground training devices (GTD) – simulators and planning stations; and spare parts. SNC will provide in-field logistic support and pilot and maintenance training.

Download additional press materials at www.builtforthemission.com/presskit

About Sierra Nevada Corporation: Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is one of America's fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President and CFO Eren Ozmen, SNC employs over 2,100 people in 31 locations in 16 states. SNC's seven unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC's dynamic customer base.

SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen's leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com.

About Embraer: Embraer S.A. (NYSE: ERJ; BM&FBOVESPA: 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 Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, China, France, Portugal, Singapore, and the U.S. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft and systems for the commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defense and security segments. It also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On September 30, 2011, Embraer had a workforce of 17,204 employees – not counting the employees of its partially owned subsidiaries – and its firm order backlog totaled USD 16 billion.

Embraer's U.S. presence, Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc., was founded in 1979 in Fort Lauderdale, FL as a wholly owned United States corporation. Thirty-two years later, Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc. has over 800 U.S. employees at locations in Ft. Lauderdale and Melbourne, FL, Nashville, TN, Mesa, AZ, Minneapolis, MN and Windsor Locks, CT. Embraer Defense & Security and Embraer Aircraft Holding are part of Embraer S.A.

In 2008, Embraer broke ground on their first industrial site in the U.S., at Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, FL, dedicated to the Company's executive jet business. The final assembly and painting operation buildings were completed in first quarter 2011 and the customer, sales, design and delivery center is scheduled to be completed in fourth quarter 2011. Some 200 new jobs are being created as a result of this U.S. expansion.

SOURCE Sierra Nevada Corporation