WASHINGTON – The fact that the U-S Air Force has announced that it has selected the A-29 Super Tucano, produced by Embraer Defense and Security in Brazil, for the Light Air Support (LAS) program has Kansas Senator Pat Roberts fired up.

He released a statement Wednesday after learning of the news that the Air Force issued a temporary stop-work order on a 355- million contract they denied to Hawker Beechcraft and instead awarded to the Brazilian-based company, Embraer.

“Hawker Beechcraft deserves the good news it received Wednesday when the Air Force issued a temporary stop work order for the Light Air Support contract it awarded to Brazilian-based company Embraer.

“Hawker Beechcraft deserves answers as to why it was excluded from the competition two months ago. On every turn, the Air Force has denied the company and the congressional delegation the opportunity to understand why it made the decision. If the Air Force wants to taut transparency in this selection process, it can start with briefing me and my colleagues Congressman Mike Pompeo, Congresswoman Jenkins, and Senator Jerry Moran as we have been in regular contact with the Air Force and the General Accounting Office since Hawker learned of the decision. We all deserve answers.

“Without more information, I see no reason for 1,400 U-S jobs to be awarded to a Brazilian company with little regard to a U-S company that has the proven equipment to do the job.”

Hawker Beechcraft is currently contesting the contract in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

According to a news release from Embraer, the aircraft will be supplied in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) as the prime contractor, and will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations.

As specified by the Air Force, this is a firm-fixed price delivery order contract in the amount of $355 million for the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft and associated support. Twenty LAS aircraft will be provided, as well as ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment.