Embraer bests Beechcraft for Afghan plane order

Reuters ^ | Feb 27, 2013 | Jim Wolf

[sukhoi-30mki]

Embraer bests Beechcraft for Afghan plane order

(Reuters) - Brazil's Embraer bested U.S.-based Beechcraft in a high-stakes U.S. Air Force recompetition for 20 light air support planes to be provided to the Afghan military for training and counterinsurgency.

Embraer and its U.S.-based partner, Sierra Nevada, were awarded a $427.5 million deal, the Pentagon announced after the close of business on Wednesday.

The pair had won an initial $355 million contract in December 2011, but it was scrapped after a legal challenge from the losing bidder, then known as Hawker Beechcraft.

Brazilian leaders had voiced displeasure with the sudden cancellation, saying it would not be conducive to strengthening security ties with the United States.

Brazil's air force plans to buy 36 new fighter jets, and Chicago-based Boeing Co (BA.N)'s F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of three finalists along with the Saab JAS-39 Gripen of Sweden and the Dassault Rafale of France.

Wichita, Kansas-based Beechcraft, which emerged from a Chapter 11 restructuring this month, said it was disappointed to have lost the competition.

[sukhoi-30mki]

[bayouranger]

Beechcraft should’ve moved to a right to work state when they had a chance.

[Joe 6-pack]

Good lookin’ little aircraft. Wonder what could be done with modern avionics in an A-1 Skyraider or an OV-10 Bronco for a counter-insurgency platform...

[thinkthenpost]

I for several years thought a dozen T-37’s and A-37’s out in the Arizona desert should have been put into service while this was settled.

[alfa6]

FYI Kansas is a right to work state

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

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[Joe 6-pack]

"I for several years thought a dozen T-37’s and A-37’s out in the Arizona desert should have been put into service while this was settled."

It wouldn't have cost enough to do that; too few pockets would have been lined for that to be a workable idea...

[thinkthenpost]

Well, 21+ million per plane does seem a,...... bit on the high side. Well okay outrageously on the high side!
I wonder how much the Afghanis will actually pay of the 450 million? I hope most, but expect not much of it.

I believe the cockpit is similar to the A-10’s curious if the USAF will acquire any.

[USNBandit]

The contract called for a non-developmental, off the shelf platform. The AT-6 wasn't an off the shelf platform.

That being said I am suffering through an SNC contract that they have phonged away through poor engineering and integration. Some of the biggest problems have been in areas they touted during the bid phase as setting them apart from their competitors. Over a year behind schedule at this point.

[Iron Munro]

Obama is still focused like a laser on creating jobs.

This time he is creating jobs for Brazil with our tax dollars.

[bayouranger]

Uff..thanx!