Air Force moves forward with limited light-attack aircraft buy

The Air Force has released official solicitations to procure a "limited number" of light-attack aircraft from Textron and a Sierra Nevada and Embraer team.

The service plans to buy two or three each of Textron's AT-6 and Sierra Nevada and Embraer's A-29 as it continues to craft an updated acquisition strategy and experimentation plan to determine the possible scope of a future light-attack aircraft procurement program.

In an Oct. 25 press release, the Air Force confirmed Air Combat Command would use the AT-6 at Nellis Air Force Base, NV, to continue testing of operational tactics and standards for exportable, tactical networks with a goal of improving interoperability among international partners.

The A-29 will be sent to Hurlburt Field, FL, to be used by Air Force Special Operations Command to help shape a new instructor pilot program for the Combat Aviation Advisory mission that will help meet partner nation demand for light-attack support.

The Air Force announced in January it would continue experimenting with light-attack capabilities and potentially expand the scope of that work rather than select a single provider in the near term. ACC Commander Gen. Mike Holmes has said he expects a more detailed plan will be completed this fall.

The service expects to award Sierra Nevada and Embraer a contract for the near-term A-29 purchases by the end of this year and aims to award Textron for the AT-6 buy in early 2020.