Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer has teamed with Sierra Nevada in the competition to supply the Air Force’s Light Air Support platform. FlightGlobal reports that US-based Sierra Nevada would be the prime contractor to build Embraer’s Super Tucano light attack aircraft in Jacksonville, Fla., if the Air Force chooses this airplane. The Super Tucano is pitted against the AT-6 that the Lockheed Martin-Hawker Beechcraft team if offering. The Air Force seeks a platform with which to instruct its own pilots, who will then train airmen of partner air forces flying light attack aircraft in roles like counterinsurgency. The LAS contract award is expected in June. The Air Force is also overseeing the acquisition of 20 LAS airframes for the Afghan air force. (See also Aviation International News report)
Unit commanders are being told to separate service members who can’t shave their cheeks and chin for medical reasons for more than a year, according to new guidance from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
