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The United States Air Force (USAF) has formally integrated the Embraer A-29C, also known as the Super Tucano, into its curriculum at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Operations with this new turboprop aircraft began on July 7, 2025. The aircraft will be used for advanced flying techniques and testing by the USAF Test Pilot School.
Collaboration between the 412th Test Wing, Air Force Test Center, and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is underway to sustain and develop the new aircraft. It will train students in aerial spins, sensors, and mission systems training. The A-29C represents a cost-effective lightweight airframe that can potentially integrate systems like the Agile Pod.
Prior to its delivery to Edwards AFB, the aircraft underwent evaluation by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) before being stored temporarily at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. Major Mateusz Borek of the Air Force Test Pilot School was one of three pilots who ferried these planes to their new base. He remarked: “I studied the flight manual meticulously and mentally rehearsed the flight more than I can remember. The USAF Test Pilot School had a big hand in preparing me for scenarios such as this one.”
