AF plans more A-29s for AFSOC

The Air Force plans to buy four to six AT-6 and A-29 aircraft and split them between the Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command. AFSOC is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla. On Oct. 24 the AF released its final request for proposals (FRPs) that show it plans to purchase two or three light-attack aircraft each from Textron Aviation (AT-6), and the Sierra Nevada Corp.-Embraer (A-29). The AF expects to issue a contract for the A-29 by end of this year, and in early 2020 for the AT-6s. The A-29s will go to Hurlburt Field for use in creating an instructor pilot program for those who advise partner-nations on air warfare. The program will help meet “increased partner-nation requests for light-attack assistance,” according to the AF. AT-6s will go to Nellis AFB, Nev., where ACC will use it for testing and development of “operational tactics and standards for exportable, tactical networks that improve interoperability with international partners,” an Oct. 24 AF media release stated. (Source: AF Magazine 10/25/19) http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/October%202019/Air-Force-Releases-Light-Attack-RFP-for-Small-Numbers-of-AT-6s-A-29s.aspx