First Delivery in FAB's 76-Unit Order

Embraer Thursday delivered the first ALX Super Tucano multi-purpose military turboprop to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The ceremony, which took place at the Gaviao Peixoto facility in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo, was attended by high-ranking military and civilian authorities, Embraer executives, employees and technical personnel, as well as partners and suppliers that participated in the project.

"Today, with the ALX, we are realizing one more dream, which is the result of a historical and successful partnership between FAB and Embraer," said Mauricio Botelho, Embraer President and CEO. "With differentiated levels of technology, versatility, performance and cost-efficiency, the plane symbolizes an important step to ensure the efficiency of Brazilian strategic defense systems."

The Embraer President also noted: "The ALX Super Tucano embodies the concept of communality of systems, equipment, symbols and next-generation interface involving the F-5BR and the AMX, soon to be modernized -- which helps set FAB apart in the global arena. Embraer's role in this effort is to design and develop the means to promote the communality concept. Embraer, which feels challenged, is committed to invest more and more resources in its own technical and industrial development in a manner that will allow it to contribute to the evolution of our Air Force."

One of the most notable products manufactured by Embraer, the ALX Super Tucano is a combination of a next-generation, light military airplane that can serve as an advanced training tool for pilots. The newest military turboprop produced by Embraer has just what it takes to surpass the success of its "older brother," namely the extraordinary Tucano, which has won over the admiration of many and is now in service with more than 15 Air Forces around the world.

The ALX will become part of the Amazon Surveillance System's (SIVAM) air fleet, together with Embraer's EMB 145 SA and the EMB 145 RS surveillance aircraft. Additionally, it will be used in basic and advanced training missions for FAB pilots.

The ALX Super Tucano

The ALX Super Tucano, Embraer's renowned multi-purpose military turboprop trainer/light attack/weapons familiarization aircraft soon to be in service with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is available in either single or two-seat versions. This aircraft is the perfect combination of turboprop power with fourth-generation avionics and armament systems, which makes it the next- generation aircraft suitable for air forces around the world to increase their operational and training capabilities.

Its innovations include leading edge in-flight virtual simulation technology for training purposes, a feature that allows student pilots to increase their mission effectiveness, information management and situational awareness skills, coping with the new operational scenarios ahead. The ALX Super Tucano is exceptionally suited for the Information Warfare environment.

Tailored to operate in the most hostile environment (high temperatures, moisture, and dust), it will perform operational missions as part of the latest and most sophisticated surveillance system in the world, the SIVAM (Amazon Surveillance Program). It will be also deployed by the Brazilian Air Force on basic/advanced training missions, including weapons familiarization, increasing efficiency and dramatically reducing training costs by replacing more expensive, older jet trainers.

The aircraft is being scheduled to fly day/night border surveillance missions, pursuing and intercepting aerial targets engaged in illegal activities. It is capable of receiving and transmitting data through its embedded, state-of-the-art "data-link" systems. Sensor images, including target data, are readily received or relayed to Command and Control Stations, both on the ground or airborne, and to other combat aircraft in the operational theater.

The precision, effectiveness and flexibility of its systems are far and way above operation requirements, ensuring training/operational capabilities, reliability and accuracy during the aircraft's entire service life. Its readiness to meet any challenge makes the ALX Super Tucano the aircraft of choice for air forces throughout the world, as its affordability can fit even the most constrained military budgets.

The ALX Super Tucano provides fourth generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI) designed to minimize pilot workload through the optimization of all tasks (tracking, interception, surveillance, support, etc.). Featuring a state-of-the-art avionics system structured around a MIL-STD-1533 Databus Architecture, the following systems have been incorporated in the ALX Super Tucano:

• Full Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS)
• Laser INS with GPS Navigation System
• Computerized Attack Modes (CCIP, CCRP, CCIL, etc.)
• HUD (Head Up Display) with UFCP (Up Front Control Panel)
• Two 6" X 8" Liquid Crystal Active Matrixes (CMFD) per pilot station (two-seater)
  Tactical V/UHF with provisions for data links
• Integrated Radio Communication and Navigation
• Video Camera/Recorder
• NVG Gen III-compatible internal/external lighting system
• Automatic Pilot with embedded mission planning capability
• Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR)
• Helmet Mounted Display System (optional)

In addition to its jet-like performance provided by a 1,600 shp, FADEC- controlled PWC PT6A-68C Pratt & Whitney turboprop engine, the ALX Super Tucano features innovations such as in-flight virtual simulation for armaments and sensors (including radar), an environmental control system designed to secure crew comfort; and an On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS). Irrespective of application, zero-zero Martin-Baker MK-10LCX Ejection Seats, featuring a three-mode ejection sequential device, have also been incorporated. A cockpit armoring was introduced to ensure crew safety during operational missions.

Embraer spared no efforts to provide the ALX Super Tucano with an Armament System that reflects state-of-the-art technology for the area. 1,500 kg (3,307 lb.) of external loads distributed within five underwing and fuselage hard points (without penalizing its outstanding performance) means carrying capability of a wide array of fighter's typical weapons -- either smart or conventional.

Its armament line-up is fully integrated with avionics and may be fitted with the most advanced ordinance. Its WCS (Weapons Control System) is on par with those of last generation frontline fighters (Mirage 2000-5 MK2, F16 Block 60, Grippen, Eurofighter and others). Each underwing hard point features a SIU (Stores Interface Unit) that recognizes loaded armament and its status. SIU is capable of performing several tasks, such as armament selection and release control (bombs, rockets, machine guns, missiles) in addition to providing fuse status for remaining bombs and missiles.

FMI: www.embraer.com