A group of three A-29 Super Tucano aircraft has arrived at Edwards Air Force Base, integrating into the fleet of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS).
This is the first time in nearly 30 years that the school has received new aircraft, with the A-29s originally acquired by the Air Force Special Operations Command and returned to Edwards due to changes in mission requirements.
The A-29 Super Tucano, designed for low-cost close air support, now offers new opportunities for training and research at TPS. The transfer of these aircraft aligns with the school’s new strategy, which aims to develop innovative test leaders and advance research to meet global power competition.
Michael Banzet, director of plans and programs at the Air Force Test Center, highlighted the importance of this change, which not only repurposes a significant investment but also modernizes the school’s curriculum.
The versatility of the A-29, along with its modern avionics, makes it suitable for testing and integrating various sensors and weaponry. The inclusion of these aircraft will reduce TPS’s reliance on older models such as the T-38 and F-16, allowing the school to explore new approaches to flight test training and multi-domain operations.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: Instagram (@edwardsairforcebase) | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team