Embraer’s Super Tucano Strengthened by New Weapons System

Bethany Whitfield

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10:55 PM ET

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Embraer Super Tucano

Key Takeaways:

Embraer announced a partnership with Boeing to integrate an advanced weapons system, featuring laser and GPS-controlled "smart" bombs, into its Super Tucano.
This strategic move aims to bolster Embraer's bid against Hawker Beechcraft for a highly contested Air Force contract, valued at $355 million initially but potentially up to $1 billion, for light air support aircraft.
The contract process has been contentious, with Embraer's initial win overturned after Hawker Beechcraft's protests, leading to ongoing disputes over fairness, potential job outsourcing, and development funding.

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Embraer has announced that Boeing will supply a new advanced weapons system for the company’s Super Tucano in a move that aims to strengthen Embraer’s bid against competitor Hawker Beechcraft for a highly contentious $355 million Air Force contract.

The system, announced at the Farnborough Airshow this week, features so called laser and GPS-controlled “smart” bombs with extended range. Embraer reps are slated to unveil other details regarding the system’s capabilities soon, but did say the weapons system was contained in the company’s most recent bid submission for the Air Force contract to supply 20 light air support aircraft for delivery to Afghanistan.