Accuses HBC Of 'Misinformation And Legal Wrangling' Delaying A-29 Super Tucano Program

As the winner of the U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) competition, Sparks, NV-Based Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) on Thursday issued a point-by-point rebuttal of what it says is misinformation being spread by the disqualified contender for the contract.

According to the company, the LAS contract provides aircraft, training and support for the U.S. government’s partner building efforts in Afghanistan and other nations. The aircraft is urgently needed to support aerial reconnaissance and light air operations in Afghanistan, as well as to develop the organic capability needed to complete the United State’s counterinsurgency mission in Afghanistan. On Dec. 22, 2011, the U.S. Air Force awarded the LAS contract to SNC, having earlier disqualified the other contender for the contract, Hawker Beechcraft, as being not in the competitive range based on the finding that “multiple deficiencies and significant weaknesses found in [Hawker Beechcraft’s] proposal make it technically unacceptable and results in unacceptable mission capability risk.”  Since that time, Hawker Beechcraft has undertaken a massive misinformation campaign, challenged the integrity of the U.S. Air Force contracting process, questioned the intentions of the Obama Administration, and used litigation to stop work on the contract.

“It is essential that the full facts of this situation are presented clearly and transparently to the American public. There is too much at stake,” said Fatih Ozmen, CEO of Sierra Nevada Corporation. “The people who are paying the price of this reckless and irresponsible behavior are the American taxpayer and the American warfighter. Sierra Nevada Corporation and our partners are honored by this award and the opportunity to serve our country as we remain ready to get to work on the LAS contract.”

In its Request for Proposal, the Air Force specifically sought a non-developmental, in-production aircraft so that warfighters in-theater could have an advanced solution quickly and so that American taxpayers would not have to pay development costs. The plane proposed by SNC’s competitor is a developmental aircraft that is not in production and has never been used for light air support or any other purpose.

In contrast, the aircraft selected by the Air Force and to be provided by SNC, Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucano, is a light air support aircraft that is currently in use with six air forces around the world. This aircraft will be made in America by American workers. More than 88 percent of the dollar value of the A-29 Super Tucano comes from components supplied by American companies or countries that qualify under the Buy America Act. The aircraft will be built in Jacksonville, Florida creating at least 50 new high tech jobs and supporting another 1,200+ jobs across the country.

“It’s unfortunate that the truth is being sacrificed for the self interests of Hawker Beechcraft and its owners ... a Canadian company, Onex ... and an investment bank, Goldman Sachs. Hawker Beechcraft is using aggressive media and lobbying tactics to fight the Air Force decision instead of letting the Court decide this issue in due course. These delaying tactics are having the greatest effect on our fellow Americans currently engaged in combat operations. They need the capability that only the A-29 can provide. The delay also is preventing the creation of jobs at a time when there is an urgent need to put Americans to work,” said Taco Gilbert, Ret. USAF Brigadier General, and Vice President of ISR Business Development at SNC.

“Unbelievably, this is the second time that Hawker Beechcraft has prevented a light air support aircraft that has been thoroughly evaluated by our military from going forward to support our troops in need. Urgent requests for the A-29 from Afghanistan continue to languish because Hawker cannot provide an acceptable capability, but will not let anyone else provide it either,” Gilbert said.

In a separate and unusual action in the midst of a legal proceeding, the USAF issued a fact sheet on the LAS acquisition process and specifically countered claims by Hawker Beechcraft that it has not received information regarding the evaluation of their proposal.

FMI: www.builtforthemission.com, www.sncorp.com