Embraer has launched a flight-test campaign with the first A-29N turboprop to have been produced for the Portuguese air force.

Lisbon last December became the first customer for the NATO-optimised version of the Super Tucano, signing a 12-aircraft deal.

To mark the programme milestone, the Brazilian airframer conducted a joint flight of the two-seat type along with Portugal’s latest example of its C-390 Millennium tactical transport.

“The launch of the A-29N flight-test campaign shows that we are in a good path to obtain a distinctive platform, with a configuration idealised by Portuguese air force, that will prove its capability in advanced training and operational usage,” says Major General Joao Nogueira, director of the service’s weapon systems maintenance directorate.

Meanwhile, the airframer has delivered its third of six C-390s ordered for the Portuguese service. Lisbon also announced an option at the Paris air show to acquire up to a further 10 examples of the twinjet, under a proposed joint procurement model with other nations.

“The delivery of the third KC-390 will increase our operational capability and simultaneously consolidate experience in the aircraft, in progress to reach full operational capability and establish new frontiers in the usage of this platform,” says Nogueira, who is also Lisbon’s programme director for the type.

“This [C-390] delivery and joint flight represent major milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Portugal’s defence with efficient and innovative solutions,” says Embraer Defense & Security chief executive Bosco da Costa Junior.