Trio of USAF Super Tucano's start second life
Recently, it became known that the USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) at Edwards AFB (CA) inherited a trio of Sierra Nevada Corporation (Embraer) A-29C Super Tucano aircraft from Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
The three A-29Cs, the most technologically enhanced and mission capable A-29 brought to market, were initially intended for AFSOCs Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA) mission, which is designed to build international partner capacity. The above mentioned trio Super Tucanos were delivered for training operations with AFSOC at Hurlburt AFB (FL) and Duke Field (FL) during March 2022.
Initially, it was believed that the Super Tucano in USAF use would be flown with the A-29B designation (See 1*). Although the Sierra Nevada Corporation has been advertising the A-29C designation, the USAF always mentions "a plain A-29" only. With Nigeria, the Philippines and Turkmenistan being the "last trainees" receiving A-29 US military aid, and no future operators in sight, the USAF was deemed to stop the CAA Super Tucano project.
Having arrived in July at Edwards to join TPS' unique fleet, the arrival of the A-29 marks the first newly assigned aircraft for the school in nearly thirty years. While the A-29s airframe design is perfect for spin testing, the Super Tucano also offers an array of modern avionics with the ability to externally hang equipment through various wing pylons. This will allow the TPS to conduct training and research on a variety of multi-domain sensors, Close Air Support (CAS) and various weapons. 
The following Super Tucano's are now on strength with the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards;
20-2101 (31400275)
20-2102 (31400276) special colours
20-2103 (31400277)
It is expected that the A-29s will receive the distinctive "ED" code in due time.
Credit photos: USAF