Embraer has announced a new operational concept that will allow its A-29 Super Tucano to conduct counter-unmanned aerial system missions, extending the aircraft’s mission set for current and future operators, according to the company.
The firm said the concept uses existing A-29 features combined with additional sensors and datalinks.
According to Embraer, the approach draws on the aircraft’s electro-optical and infrared sensor for laser tracking and designation, wing-mounted 0.50 calibre guns, and laser-guided rockets to engage identified targets. The company stated that the solution is intended to provide an affordable method for countering small drones.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence and Security, said the development responds to trends seen across recent conflicts. “We continue to expand the A 29’s capabilities to address the most recent challenges faced by many nations worldwide,” he said. “The continued challenges in modern warfare and the recent conflicts worldwide have shown the urgent need for solutions to fight drones. The A 29 is the ideal tool to counter UAS effectively and at low cost.”
Embraer describes the A 29 as a rugged turboprop capable of operations from austere runways and forward locations. According to the company, the aircraft is already used for missions including close air support, armed reconnaissance, advanced training, and border surveillance, and has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours across 22 air forces.
The firm stated that the counter drone concept fits within the wider suite of sensor, communication, and weapons integrations already available on the aircraft, which is marketed as a multi mission platform with comparatively low life cycle costs.
Where’s Daniele Mandelli? lol I joke. No doubt to sell to Ukraine.
That market would be a good start.
I’m here. You remembered. 👍
I got a great Idea, Lets buy some.
All they really need is to give the passenger of the Tutor T Mk1 A pump action shotgun.. open the canopy and it turns a basic trainer into a drone popper..
Pullllllll
Seen that on Twitter with the UKR using ww2 vintage aircraft.
Just to be that person but they are not WW2 vintage aircraft, they are YAK-58 1970’s Soviet vintage. Originally basic trainers that were produced up until the turn of the century. People just saw the prop and went straight to calling them WW2 planes on Twitter and that misinformation just spread out of hand.
Thanks for that. With the ww2 references I took them to be the Soviet “nusiance” planes that would fly low over German lines at night.
Always with the violence J, How about the soft kill option a Butterfly net on a long pole.
(no Poles were intended to be insulted before anyone Sticks their nose in)
Shaft might have been a better word, I can imagine waving my shaft out of the cockpit trying to net a few drones.
Or how about a Fly Swatter, that would work buzzzz swat Job done.