Lebanese Air Force acquiring Joint Programmable Fuze FMU-152

A US DOD award on November 27, 2017 confirms that the Lebanese Air Force will be receiving an unspecified number of the Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF), FMU-152. The fuze is compatible with the MK-82/83/84 and BLU-109/113 warheads which can be used in conjunction with Paveway and JDAM kits.

This order comes soon after the Lebanese Air Force received its first two A29 Super Tucano, and must be directly related to its armaments.

"Kaman Precision Products, Orlando, Florida; Middletown, Connecticut, has been awarded a $85,169,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed fee contract for delivery of lot 13 of the joint programmable fuze, FMU-52 and corresponding production, test and engineering support.  Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida; and Middletown, Connecticut, with an expected completion date of Feb. 28, 2019.  This contract involves 26 percent foreign military sales to Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.  Fiscal 2017 procurement funds in the amount of $85,169,000 are being obligated at time of award.  This contract was a sole-source acquisition.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA868118C0009).
https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1381242/
 "

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

A-29 Super Tucano Expectations VS Reality Illustrations for the Novice

Negative feedback that are not based on any facts & information or any kind of research continue to follow the reception of the first two Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano. Most of these comments stem from the fact that the A-29 is a turbo-propeller aircraft, and that's leading to all sorts of stereotypes, including considering it a WWII aircraft.

LAF Digest previously prepared a detailed article detailing facts & giving answers to common A-29 misconceptions. Today, we are attempting to change the mindset visually using expectations VS reality images. Just like the previous article, the target audience is the general public, not those who are savvy in military topics.

Click to enlarge photos.

The A-29 can deliver guided missiles & bombs without utilizing legacy tactics. The Mirage III photo is used on purpose because it is part of the Lebanese nostalgia. It is time to move on.

The A-29 has modern cockpit & avionics.

The A-29 has a pressurized cabin just like modern jets.

The MX-15 offers advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities.

Disclaimer: none of the photos used in the comparison are property of LAF Digest, all credit goes to original authors. 

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Facts & answers regarding the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano for the novice

This article aims to clarify once for all what the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano are about, and whether you should really care that they are not jets. The target audience is the general public, not those who are savvy in military topics.

The amount of negative feedback & ridicule that came along to the announcement of the six A-29 Super Tucano deal and the delivery of the first two is, the least we can say, not fair. These platforms will transit the Lebanese Air Force capability to a whole new level which was not reachable, and had the LAF had it before, would have changed a lot of things when it comes to the war against terrorism.

Here are some facts, and answers to frequent statements that clarify any doubt.

1. General
1. The Sierra Nevada A-29 Super Tucano is not equal (not the same) to the Embrarer EMB-314 Super Tucano. The A-29 is a further advancement of the original EMB-314 which includes changes in the ISR capability, cockpit, supported arms, engine, and additional armor.
2. The Super Tucano primary goal and role is not to be a trainer. It was made to be light-attack aircraft designed for counter-insurgency, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance. It is not a trainer with arms.
2. Survivability
1. The aircraft has advanced counter-measure systems against surface-to-air-missiles (short range and MANPADs). The MILDS F missile warning system and ALE-47 counter-measure dispenser in fact are used in some of the advanced aircraft and jet fighters, such as F-15, F-16, and F/A-18.
2. The MILDS F detects the incoming missiles, and the ALE-47 automatically releases the flare or chaff counter-measures accordingly.  
3. The A-29 adds up armor plates to those of the original Embrarer EMB-314 Super
   Tucano. Cockpit, fuel system and engine components all have armor plates by TenCate.
4. The A-29 can fly up to 35,000 feet and can engage targets from ~26,000 feet (Using Hellfire), a common 23 mm anti-aircraft (AA) gun max altitude is 6,500 feet, and a 35 mm AA gun is ~13,000 feet.
3. Electronics


1. The MX-15 camera/sensor is used on fixed-wing, rotary-wing, UAV, and aerostat all around the world. It is an advanced ISR and SAR camera with ability to see day/night, in poor weather, and from altitudes of 10,000 to 30,000 feet. Watch it in action.
   
2. The cockpit is equivalent to those on 4th and 5th generation aircraft.
3. Has advanced avionics and communications that are similar to those of 4th and 5th generation aircraft. 
4. Has ballistic computer to perform computations such as impact point which would then be displayed on a head-up display.
   
   
   

   

   SNC A-29 Super Tucano Pilot Cockpit
   Credit: SNC/Embrarer

   
   
4. Armament



Credit: SNC

1. Hellfire missile: no need to explain much about this infamous missile. One of the most advanced, top attack, air-to-surface missiles used on the AH-64 Apache, MQ-1 Predator UAV etc...
2. Hydra with APKWS: 70mm missiles with laser guidance improving accuracy to +93% hit rate.
3. GBU-12 Paveway II: The Paveway II is a laser guidance kit for bombs used by A-10, B-52, F-111, F-117, F-15, F- 16, F/A-18.
4. GBU-58 Paveway II: The Paveway II is a laser guidance kit for bombs used by A-10, B-52, F-111, F-117, F-15, F- 16, F/A-18.
5. The aircraft can also support other types of precision guided bombs, air-to-ground missiles, and air-to-air missiles.
5. Operation Effectiveness
1. To the contrary of a jet fighter, the A-29 can loiter (fly over) the battlefield for up to 8.5 hours (with external fuel tanks); this is compared to 2-3 hours with close-air support jets.
2. The A-29 can take off from virtually any flat surface that is long enough, it doesn't strictly require a true runway. 
6. Operation Cost
1. Thanks to its turbo-propeller engine, the cost-per-flight-hour to fly these compared to a typical jet fighter is fraction of the cost.
2.  Operation cost also involves consumable parts, and air-frame degradation, both of which come at a lower cost than a modern jet.

Frequent Statements and Questions:

1. This is a left over by the US Air Force
   Absolutely no. These are manufactured for the Lebanese Air Force. In fact, the US AF is currently evaluating this aircraft in order to obtain it for its counter insurgency operations. Read more here.
2. This aircraft is very old (or from WWII era) & no longer used because it is turbo-propeller.
   The original EMB 314 was introduce in 2003, so no it is not an "old" aircraft. The aircraft is used by major armies across the world for the specific mission it was made for. Some are probably surprised to see such an advanced cockpit (check up).
3. An AA gun can bring it down
   No, unless it is flying within range of the AA gun. Check the info about altitudes mentioned up. In reality, it is most likely that a non-radar AA gun (commonly operated by insurgents) would be taken out before the operator can even see or hear the aircraft.
4. Instead of advancing we are going back in time. Who uses propeller aircraft anymore?
   Wrong. Air forces with some of the most advanced jets over there are turning to turbo-propeller aircraft for their counter-insurgency and close air support operations. The market is growing with solution such as the Super Tucano, Cessna AC-208B, Air Tractor AT-802, and AT-6 Beechcraft.
5. This is a slow aircraft
   The aircraft is fast and agile. It can reach a maximum speed of 590 km/h. In fact, it has the speed for the mission it is intended for.
6. Only jet fighters like F-16 or F-35 can be effective for the LAF operations
   Sending an aircraft that is expensive to procure and to operate to counter-insurgency proved to be very costly. Consuming the air frame life, expensive spare parts, and expensive jet fuel, have led armies, including the US, to consider aircraft such as the A-29.
7. The A-29 is a toy or joke
   All the details above prove this is not true.
8. This does not stop the Israeli airspace violations
   These aircraft were not procured for this mission. The LAF is battling on different fronts. This aircraft has a specific mission, for which the LAF does not have an option beyond the less heavy Cessna AC-208B. The Israeli airspace violations should have other alternatives.
9. We could have acquired second hand older generation jets
   The technology advancement in the A-29 surpasses any old jet capability.
10. We should have acquired F-16
    If the LAF can afford to procure (buy, train, build facilities, transport etc...) and operate an aircraft such as the F-16, then this point can be discussed. For now, that's a far reach. Beyond, the A-29 would remain the aircraft preferred for the mission it is made for.
11. It took too long to receive them, ISIS is not anymore in Lebanon
    Procuring aircraft is not shopping a car. Moreover, these aircraft are made to order, and those who placed their orders first, have the priority. The real problem is all the causes that lead the LAF to take too long to place an order, on top of which is financing.
12. Propeller aircraft are in general an old technology
    Many modern military (and civil) aircraft still use propellers especially where speed isn't the main concern. Whether a military transport, UAV, or light-attack, turbo/propeller are still providing the power & safety needed for these aircraft to conduct their designed missions. Jet is not equal to modern, like turbo-propeller is not equal to old.

Further reading: Full specs of the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano variant 

Recommended explanation video to watch:

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Lebanese Army receives first two A-29 Super Tucano at Hamat AFB

The Lebanese Army officially announced the delivery of two A-29B Super Tucano at Hamat Air Foce base (Ref). These two aircraft (15-2021 and 15-2022) were spotted on their way to Lebanon in different locations in Europe, details and photos here.


These two are the first batch of six A-29 Super Tucano with Hellfire capability ordered in 2015. This article details all the specifications & capabilities of the Lebanese variant.

We are expecting the official photos from the LAF and will update this article. An official hand-over ceremony has not been announced either.

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

First batch of A-29 Super Tucano on its way to Lebanon

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)
 
Two Lebanese Air Force A-29 Super Tucano were spotted yesterday at Prestwick airport as they were conducting a ferry flight on their way to Lebanon.
Photographer David Townsend took these beautiful photos for the 15-2021 and 15-2022 as they were landing.

 

View full size on airplane-pictures.net.

 

View full size on airplane-pictures.net.

The two aircraft were later spotted on an unplanned stop due to weather conditions (Ref) at Munich Airport by Munich Aviation Spotter while they were on their way to Venice Marco Polo airport; more photos can be found here.

Source: Munich Aircraft Spotter

These two aircraft along to others were spotted in the past few months around Moody AFB; more info here. Lebanon acquired six A-29 Super Tucano with Hellfire capability for $462 millions back in 2015. This article details all the specifications & capabilities of the Lebanese variant.

It is a matter of few days before these aircraft arrive to their final home base, and we are all so excited!

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Embrarer is finishing the last of Lebanon's 6 A-29 Super Tucano

According to a report from Janes, Embrarer/SNC is completing the last aircraft from Lebanon's order of 6 A-29 Super Tucano. The reports confirms what we expected before regarding the 4 aircraft currently at Moody AFB for training.

The first batch of aircraft are expected to start arriving in Lebanon by fall 2017. Earlier this year, photos & videos of the Lebanese A-29 during training surfaced online showing 3 different aircraft.

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Photos & Videos of Lebanese AF A-29 Super Tucano on Training Flights at Moody AFB

A YouTube channel has been releasing videos from all around Moody AFB. Along side, the channel seems affiliated with a Flicker account that is also showing photos from there. On their latest are some photos & videos showing Lebanese Air Force A-29 Super Tucano on training sorties.

The Lebanese Air Force pilots commenced their training at Moody AFB earlier this year. Photos from US AF showed a Lebanese pilot on an A-29 identified by Construction Number 15-2022. Moreover, Embraer confirmed delivering 2 Lebanese A-29 to USAF in their Q1 2017 results; but seems the number might be 4 by now. 

There are much more photos on the Flicker account, also the YouTube channel has multiple videos, but here are few photos & videos showing Lebanese A-29 identified by Construction Numbers 15-2021, 15-2022, and 15-2024. Check the links below to access the remaining media.

Looking forward to seeing these aircraft flying in Lebanon's sky.

Photos (Click to Enlarge):

 Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/131038794@N06/33710786125/in/album-72157678732008566/

 Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/131038794@N06/33028268010/in/album-72157678732008566/

 Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/131038794@N06/34280239022/in/album-72157678732008566/

Videos:
Quality is not the best you would expect

Another video here for some Lebanese and Afghan A-29

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MoodyWatchers
Flicker Account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/131038794@N06/
This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Embraer already delivered two Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano to USAF

Embraer released its Q1 2017 results, and the report confirms that two A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the Lebanese Air Force order have been delivered to the US Air Force. These will eventually be commissioned to Lebanon.

We are already in Q2 and possibly more aircraft were delivered since end of Q1.

DEFENSE & SECURITY

In 1Q17, Embraer delivered two Super Tucano aircraft to the United States Air Force (USAF) that will be commissioned to Lebanon.
http://www.embraer.com/Documents/noticias/Release%20US%201Q17_FINAAL.pdf

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Full specs of the Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano variant

Lebanon sealed a deal for 6 A-29 Super Tucano close air support aircraft at $462 millions back in 2015. The announcement of the deal confirmed some parts of the expected specifications & armaments, but also raised questions about other much required capabilities (i.e. will it support Hellfire?) and about the higher cost compared to other A-29 deals (Ex. Nigeria and Afghanistan). As per the announcement, the aircraft will be equipped with ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensing Systems, AN/AAR-60(V)2 Missile Launch Detection Systems, and non-SAASM Embedded Global Positioning System/Initial Navigation System (EGIs). Besides they will support the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS).

A record in the [US] Federal Register however gives clear details on the complete specifications. The Lebanese variant will be equipped with MX–15 Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Laser sensor suite (same as those on the AC-208B Combat Caravan) and will be capable of employing the following systems mounted on its six external hard points:

• AGM–114M3, N3, & R5 Hellfire missiles

1. M3 is blast fragmentation variant
2. N3 is thermometric variant
3. R5 is a variant of Hellfire Romeo - multi-function warhead

• 2.75′′ rockets (MK4, MK40, MK 66, Hydra 70)
• GBU-12 Paveway II - Mk 82 500 lb (227 kg) bomb
• GBU-58 Paveway II - Mk 81 250 lb (113.4 kg) bomb
• APKWS II
• FN HMP-400 .50 caliber gun pods

In addition "critical cockpit, fuel system and engine components" will have aircraft armor (probably from TenCate) able to withstand small arms fire.

With the AGM-114 Hellfire support, the Lebanese variant could be considered the most advanced variant of the A-29 Super Tucano as this capability was not previously supported. Providing this capability is most likely part of the higher cost reported.

The training of Lebanese pilots already started earlier in 2017. We hope to see the Lebanese Air Force flying Super Tucanos in action very soon!

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

First training sortie for Lebanese pilot onboard of A-29 Super Tucano at Moody AFB

The first Lebanese Air Force pilot conducted the first flight on-board of an A-29 Super Tucano at Moody AFB on March 22, 2017. This is considered a milestone toward acquiring the A-29s.
Moody AFB was chosen (ref) to host the training of the 12 Lebanese pilots and 22 maintenance staff which started earlier in February 2017 and is expected to end in 2018.

The photos by the US Air Force show an A-29 Super Tucano identified with Construction Number 15-2022 and does not feature a FLIR. It is not clear whether the FLIR will be installed at a later stage given that all Lebanese A-29 is are expected to feature this.

Lebanese student conducts first ‘in seat’ A-29 flight

By Senior Airman Ceaira Young, 23d Wing Public Affairs / Published March 23, 2017

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ceaira Young)

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
A Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano pilot trainee, from the 81st Fighter Squadron, conducted the first ‘in seat’ training sortie March 22, 2017, here.

The program, which began earlier this month, is designed to ensure the Lebanon air force receives the support and training needed to safely and effectively employ the A-29 aircraft.

“It was his first flight in the aircraft so it was a great (opportunity) for him to get oriented in the A-29 and how it flies,” said the 81st Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, who conducted the first flight. “[Since training began] this was the first opportunity that we’ve had to get the first Lebanese airborne. They’ve been doing ground training, learning the procedures, patterns, simulator and emergency procedures.”
[...]
Read Full Article: http://www.moody.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/5991/Article/1128002/lebanese-student-conducts-first-in-seat-a-29-flight.aspx

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)

Lebanon's A-29 Super Tucano deal officially announced

Lots of talks surfaced before about Lebanon's interest in A-29 Super Tucano close air support aircraft. Now, DSCA is officially announcing the deal which makes the subject confirmed and done. The announcement doesn't mention any expected deliveries start date but sheds the light in details on the package.

Six A-29 Super Tucano along to spares, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS), and support & training form a package of $462 millions.

The Government of Lebanon has requested a possible sale of six (6) A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, eight (8) PT6A-68A Turboprop engines (6 installed and 2 spares), eight (8) ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensing Systems, two thousand (2000) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems, eight (8) AN/AAR-60(V)2 Missile Launch Detection Systems, non-SAASM Embedded Global Positioning System/Initial Navigation System (EGIs), spare and repair parts, flight testing, maintenance support, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, ferry support, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $462 million.
http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/lebanon-29-super-tucano-aircraft

 That's a very positive news, and that means deliveries are no longer far away - at least to start in 2017.

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)