Sierra Nevada Corporation and Embraer Launch BuiltForTheMission.com

SPARKS, Nev., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of their bid to supply aircraft, training and support for the United States Air Force's Light Air Support (LAS) mission, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Embraer have launched a new website – www.BuiltForTheMission.com – to highlight the capabilities of the A-29 Super Tucano and how its selection benefits the warfighter and the U.S. economy.  The A-29 Super Tucano will be built in Jacksonville, FL by American employees and with parts from American companies.  Aircraft training will be provided in Clovis, NM.  More than 60 U.S. suppliers in 19 states will supply parts or services for this contract.  At least 1,200 U.S. jobs will be supported through this contract.

"Selection of the A-29 Super Tucano is a win for the mission, a win for the warfighter, and a win for the American companies and American workers who will contribute to the process," said Taco Gilbert, SNC's Vice President of ISR Business Development.   "SNC teamed with Embraer to offer the Super T because it is the single best combat-proven platform for the LAS mission."

The LAS mission requires a non-developmental solution that provides the versatility, engagement, and persistence that the warfighter needs in a counterinsurgency environment, at a significantly lower cost.  That aircraft must offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support; deliver a wide variety of munitions (including precision guided weapons); and operate in extremely rugged terrain and austere conditions.  

Developed for defense and security operations in the jungles of the Amazon River Basin where runaways are often improvised in a very austere environment, the A-29 Super Tucano is a light attack plane built specifically for counterinsurgency missions.  Combat proven, the over 150 units now in operation around the globe have logged over 16,000 combat hours with no combat losses.  An exceptional light attack and trainer aircraft, it is employed by five air forces across the globe and on order with others -- excelling in the LAS mission every day.   The Super T's low operational cost makes long, complex counterinsurgency missions possible for a fraction of the cost of jets.  

"The Super Tucano was built for this mission," said Gary Spulak, President Embraer Aircraft Holdings North America.   "The Super T is a clean sheet design, built for combat, COIN and optimized for the U.S. Air Force. It makes no compromises on crew survivability, aircraft controllability or mission effectiveness."  

The Super T is certified with over 130 external stores configurations.  It has the same Hands-on-Throttle-and-Stick (HOTAS) and cockpit configuration as a modern fourth generation fighter aircraft. Yet, it is highly efficient to operate and easy to fly.  It has unrivaled endurance, giving the warfighter the persistent ISR, kinetic, or training support.  Its rugged landing gear and its long and broad stance of the gear enable routine operations on unpaved runways and excellent ground handling characteristics that frighten lesser aircraft. The lengths of the fuselage and flight controls ensure precise control even under the full throttle of its 1600 hp engine.

The LAS program will provide the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps with approximately 20 aircraft and another 15 to the USAF for its partner building capability. The decision is expected to be announced in June.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation

SNC is ranked in the top 10 among America's fastest growing private companies based on its significant growth and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Founded in 1963, SNC's seven unique business areas employ over 2100 people in 29 different locations in 15 states – all of whom are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC's dynamic customer base.

SNC is the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over its approximately 50 years of history, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com.

About Embraer-U.S.: Formerly known as Embraer Aircraft Corporation (EAC), Embraer-U.S. was founded in 1979 in Fort Lauderdale, FL as a wholly owned United States corporation.  On July 1, 1980, the company was incorporated in Fort Lauderdale as a subsidiary of Embraer. EAC became responsible for Embraer marketing, sales and technical support activities in the United States.

Thirty years later, Embraer-U.S. has over 800 employees with its main U.S. headquarters still located in Fort Lauderdale, FL to support sales, marketing and after sales support for North America's commercial, defense and business markets.  In addition to facilities, Embraer has representatives throughout North America for customer support and sales.

In 2008, Embraer broke ground on their first industrial site in the U.S., at Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, FL, that will support the expansion of the Company's executive jet business.  The final assembly and painting operation buildings were completed in first quarter 2011 and the customer, sales, design and delivery center is scheduled to be completed in fourth quarter 2011. Some 200 new jobs are being created as a result of this U.S. expansion.

Embraer-U.S. is part of Embraer S.A. (NYSE: ERJ; BM&FBOVESPA: EMBR3) is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil's leading exporters. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft and systems for the commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defense and security segments. It also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31, 2011, Embraer had a workforce of 17,253 employees – not counting the employees of its partially owned subsidiaries – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 16.0 billion.

SOURCE Sierra Nevada Corporation