Aerotech News and Review – November 2024

JOURNAL OF AEROSPACE, DEFENSE INDUSTRY AND VETERANS NEWS
joins Air Force Test pilot School fleet
A-29 Super TucAno
Air Force photograph by Richard Gonzales
Three A-29 Super Tucanos conduct a ferry flight to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., July 18, 2024, where they will join a unique fleet at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.
Air Force photograph by Lindsey Iniguez
Three A-29 Super Tucanos arrive at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., July 18, 2024, where they will join a unique fleet at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.
While the A-29’s airframe design is perfect for spin testing, the Super Tucano also offers an array of modern avionics with the ability to externally hang equip- ment through various wing pylons. This will allow the school to conduct train- ing and research on a variety of multi- domain sensors and weapons, reducing reliance on T-38 and F-16 aircraft while enhancing the ability to perform aspects of the developmental test mission tasked to the Air Force Test Center.
“The decision to transfer A-29 aircraft to Edwards is a result of thoughtful analysis by the Test Pilot School and an excellent example of command agility and collaboration to take advantage of a unique, fleeting opportunity,” said Michael Banzet, director, Air Force Test Center plans and programs. “Not only does this repurpose a $63 million taxpayer investment, it also modernizes and expands TPS curriculum to acceler- ate the fielding of combat capability for the U.S. Air Force.”
by Chase Kohler and Tiffany Holloway
Edwards AFB, Calif.
A trio of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft recently arrived at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to join a unique fleet at the Air Force Test Pilot School. The arrival marks the first newly assigned aircraft for the school in nearly 30 years.
The A-29 was designed as a low-cost close-air support aircraft. These A-29s were originally acquired by Air Force Spe- cial Operations Command but divested after mission requirements changed. The Air Force Test Center and school leader- ship saw these excess aircraft as a unique opportunity to expand the flight test and training capabilities at Edwards.
As part of a broader shift in response to Global Power Competition, the Air Force Test Pilot School’s mission is evolving to meet strategic need. A refined three-pillar focus includes de- velopment of world-class staff, creating highly adaptive critical thinking test leaders, and advancing cutting-edge research.
November 2024 • volume 37, Issue 11 Serving the aerospace industry since 1986 www.aerotechnews.com www.facebook.com/aerotechnews
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