ABU DHABI // The UAE is expected to buy 24 Super Tucanos aircraft from Brazil to increase its counter-insurgency capabilities to fight threats from Al Qaeda and ISIL.
Experts say such aircraft are efficient because of their high levels of manoeuvrability and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as abilities to execute actionable intelligence.
Turboprops, such as the Super Tucano, offer several advantages over fighter jets such as F16s in counter-insurgency operations.
“They’re less prone to mechanical issues and much easier to maintain than highly sophisticated jets,” said Kristjan Kormayer of the US-based Avascent, an independent consulting firm. “They also cost much less to operate and can operate from semi-prepared or unpaved runways, which makes them a valuable asset in expeditionary operations.”
In terms of capabilities and performance, the Super Tucanos are said to be a versatile platform and well-suited to low-intensity conflicts.
“The aircraft can be outfitted with a range of modern systems, sensors and weapons that enable it to perform a variety of missions, such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, escort missions, ground strikes and special-operations support,” Mr Kormayer said.
Daniel Magarian, chairman of the US-based Field Aviation, said using commercially available aircraft platforms for special mission purposes, including close air support, was a wise and viable decision by the UAE leaders for fighting insurgents and neutralising their threat.
“These aircraft are capable of long station times without refuelling,” he said. “Having an aircrew capable of real-time and accurate weapon delivery in a nimble and steady aircraft will prove invaluable in low-altitude combat roles.”
Mohammed Javed, quality assurance and product support manager at Chabok Aviation in Dubai, said the aircraft was lightweight compared to other combat planes.
“It has a very effective and new avionics-system capability compared to others,” he said. “It is especially designed to operate in extremely rugged areas and its efficiency is better than others in the same field,” he said. “During all manoeuvres, it is predictable and precise and has a very effective integrated weapons system, including two central-mission computers, software for weapon aiming, weapon management, mission planning and mission rehearsal.”
cmalek@thenational.ae