4th-Generation Turboprop Aircraft

Super Tucano EMB-314 aircraft with turboprop engine whose manufactured by Brazil's Embraer including in the fourth generation turboprop aircraft. This aircraft first flew on June 2, 1999 and the inaugural operation in 2003. Where this aircraft has two variants: A-29A and A-29B which serves as a light attack aircraft and can be used as a military trainer aircraft.

Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano had been used by 14 countries including Indonesia. (Picture from: http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/)

The aircraft that was developed from its predecessor the EMB-312 Tucano, where refinement was conducted on the development of avionics systems, weapons systems and data communication systems. By using a single engine of Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68C which is capable of producing power of 1,600 hp, so the aircraft can fly day and night. It also has the ability anti-guerrilla attack (counter insurgency), forward air control, closed air support, interdiction, air surveillance, as well as additional capability as trainer aircraft.

The aircraft has a more ergonomic cockpit with better placement of the instrument panel and to facilitate the existing system operation. In addition there are HUD (Head Up Display) integration system, UFCP (Up Front Control Panel) and two unit of CMFD (Color Multi Function Displays) which greatly facilitate and ease the pilot work.

In the front seat HUD equipped with video cameras that can be viewed by the back seat and also can be transmitted to the station below and other aircraft via data link and can be recorded on a digital video recorder. Through UFCP the pilot can change the radio/nav aid freq, while CMFD can show additional and routine information, procedure list, and its main function as back up displays to HUD and UFCP.

Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano of Indonesian Air Force (TNI Angkatan Udara). (Picture from: http://www.planespotters.net/)

For throttle and control stick are a lot of buttons that will facilitate the operation of the hand remains on throttle and stick thus retaining control capability. This is called the HOTAS (Hand On Throttle and Stick) concept that ensure the pilots remain vigilant and full concentration to circumstances outside the cockpit.

The aircraft is also equipped with GPS and INS, Laser Ring Gyro and Radar Altimeter, so the results are very precise. GPS is to prevent trouble in one system. It is also equipped with basic flight instruments, digital anti interception and jamming V/UHF radios as well as Fuel Alarms. To facilitate the flight implementation, this aircraft is also equipped with Auto Pilot with Heading Hold, Altitude Hold, Navigation and Approach modes.

Super Tucano has a maximum take off weight of 5,400 kg, with 1,550 kg of external load, with the internal fuel capacity of 656 liters for twin seater and 956 liter for single-seater with a 960 liter external tanks can fly seven hours to reach a distance of 1,480 nautical miles. In the cockpit there are the Martin Baker MK-10L ejection seats with 3 operating modes and equipped also anti-"G" suits and Personal Survival Kit.

The aircraft had been used by 14 countries have weapons system consisting of 2 units of machine gun on the left and right, 5 hard points on the wings for 2 out board under the wing station (max. 250 kg) and two inboard stations under wing and in middle (max. 350 kg) also an external tanks installed, bringing the total maximum external load 1,550 kg. All stations can be installed the MK-81 and MK-82 bomb type, Cluster, Rocket Pod, and Laser Guided Bomb.

Moreover, in the outboard station can also be installed Short Range Air to Air Missile (AIM-9) and Air to Ground Missile (Maverick). The aircraft is also equipped with Self Protection System consisting of RWR (Radar Warning Receiver), MAWS (Missile Approach Warning System), and Chaff & Flare Dispensers.

In carrying out the assignment operation, the aircraft used by Indonesian Air Force (TNI Angkatan Udara) to support the operations of oversee land & waters border, terrorism fight, oversees the archipelagic sea lanes, controlling smuggling in the air, land and waters, also land and sea operations support, limited air defense operations, reconnaissance support and air strikes. By sea and land areas that have various contours such as mountains and forests, Indonesia is very suitable to have the type of turboprop aircraft like this. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BINTANG YUDIANTA | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 05122013]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.