(Sao Jose dos Campos, December 23, 2009) — Embraer delivered the first four Super Tucano airplanes, of a total of 12, this week, to the Chilean Air Force (FACH). The contract, which was announced in August 2008, is the result of a competitive public bid let by the FACH, which chose the airplane manufactured by Embraer as the best solution for the tactical training of its pilots.

“A first delivery always has special meaning, because it represents the beginning of a longterm relationship with our customer and an opportunity to assist them with services that ensure their satisfaction,” said Orlando Jose Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense Market. “The Chilean Air Force will now have the most advanced equipment, in terms of training for its pilots, and the flexibility of the best light-attack aircraft four counter-insurgency and irregular warfare.”

Embraer’s proposal, which was chosen by FACH, includes a broad Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) package and an advanced Training and Operation Support System (TOSS), covering not only the aircraft, but also the ground support stations. The FACH’s TOSS consists of three systems: a Mission Planning Station (MPS), a Mission Debriefing Station (MDS), and a Flight Simulator (FS).

Eighty-three Super Tucanos have already been delivered to the Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira – FAB), 25 to the Colombian Air Force (FAC), and two to the Dominican Republic, which are successfully used for border patrol, combating the drug traffic, and on combat missions. In all, 172 airplanes have been sold to seven customers