The Air Force Test Pilot School is working judiciously to integrate the recently acquired A-29C Super Tucano into the student flight curriculum. In partnership with the Air Force Test Center and the Sierra Nevada Corporation, the three airplanes will soon be providing critical cutting-edge instruction to future test leaders.
The A-29C is unique in many ways. Designed to be an affordable lightweight, multirole airframe, the aircraft was briefly evaluated by Air Force Special Operations Command before being temporarily stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Due to limited use, the A-29C is one of the few aircraft within the current USAF inventory that lacks a formal training course and is not utilized operationally. This contrasts with the broader A-29 fleet, which is widely used around the globe by allied nations to provide counter insurgency and reconnaissance operations. The ability to fly multiple mission sets makes this aircraft the right choice for the school’s modernization efforts.
To successfully ferry the A-29C aircraft to Edwards AFB, three instructors at the test pilot school had to perform the flight with zero formal flight training. They prepared by studying the flight manual, engaging in discussions with maintenance personnel, and studying what is known as the 3-3 publication, or key tactics, techniques, and procedures that are unique to the aircraft. To further mitigate risk associated with operating the aircraft for the first time, the instructors also completed qualification flights in the T-6 Texan and the PC-21, which have similar flying and handling characteristics.
“Even though I wasn’t testing the A-29C per se, the thrill of getting into an aircraft I’ve never flown before, solo, was unmatched” noted Maj. Mateusz Borek, flight sciences assistant department chair and A-29 chief pilot for the test pilot school.
“I studied the flight manual meticulously and mentally rehearsed the flight more than I can remember. The USAF Test Pilot School had a big hand in preparing me for scenarios such as this one. While I was a student, I flew more than 20 different airplanes. The school didn’t provide me with extraordinary abilities; instead, it taught me critical thinking and evaluation skills that can only be gained with countless hours of academics, sims, and hands-on experiences.”
Once safely on the ground, the A-29C’s spent the next six months going through extensive maintenance in collaboration with the Sierra Nevada Corporation. This allowed instructors to thoroughly study the aircraft, refine procedures, and develop a comprehensive training plan. The modern avionics and robust airframe design allow the A-29C to be one of few aircraft within the US Air Force Test Pilot School curriculum to be utilized for multiple events and lessons, or what the school defines as “jack-of-all-trades.”
The aircraft will first primarily be used for stall and spin training. Evaluating and testing aircraft stall and spin characteristics is a crucial skill set for every graduate of a test pilot school. While the Air Force currently has a glider spin sortie and an F-16 departure flight, the former offers limited repetitions and flight dynamics, while the latter is only applicable to graduates who go on to test fighter aircraft. The new A-29C’s will be able to execute many types of spins with an endurance of over one-and-a-half hours, maximizing learning for all students.
Once these flights are established, the school’s curriculum will delve into the A-29C’s mission systems. The aircraft can carry an MX-15 Sensor Ball, utilize Link 16, communicate through a VORTEX link, and employ laser-guided bombs and rockets. These systems will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to test and evaluate similar mission systems on current and emerging platforms. This will also help reduce flying hour and maintenance strain on the F-16 fleet at Edwards AFB, allowing the Sensors Demo, Weapons Demo, and Mission Systems Practical Exam to be uniquely performed on the A-29C.
As with any test asset, the new A-29C’s will require special instrumentation to enable advanced data collection and control room operations, which is currently ongoing. The school is also exploring the potential integration of the Agile Pod, which would further enhance the mission systems capabilities. With five weapon stations per aircraft, the A-29C also allows future flexibility for research and development efforts through the Air Force Test Pilot School’s Research Division. The backseat in the A-29 also houses a dedicated controller station that could be utilized in the future for combat systems officers and remotely piloted aircraft students as the concept of manned-to-unmanned teaming further grows across air operations.
“The more we learn about the A-29C Super Tucano, the more robust our syllabus becomes. This is an exciting time to be an instructor and student at the school,” Borek added.
The A-29C will continue to increase operations throughout the summer, with class 25A becoming the first group of students to fly the aircraft.
