[MarkSheppard]

T-2D Buckeye Trainer / Light Attack

In February 1972, twelve T-2Cs were ordered by the FAV; they differed from USN ones by having different avonics and no provisions for catapult/arrested landings. They were designated T-2D and the first was received on 28 June 1973.

In 1977, a second batch of 12 x T-2Ds with six hardpoints on the wing for 3,500 lbs of armaments (bombs, 70mm rocket launchers and 12.7mm MG pods) was ordered to act as light attack aircraft. They arrived in a camouflage scheme and replaced the BAC Jet Provost T.Mk52.

The last six T-2Ds were retired in 1999 and their trainer functions were assumed by the twin seat VF-5B in the FAV's inventory until new types could arrive.

Hongdu K-8W Karakorum Light Attack/Advanced Trainers

Eighteen were ordered in 2008 and the first six arrived in January 2010. They replaced the VF-5 Freedom Fighter and OV-10 Bronco in the Venezuelan Air Force; in addition to advanced trainer duties.

A second order of 9 aircraft was made to replace three lost in crashes and increase the fleet to 24 units. The second order was officially delivered beginning in March 2016.

Rockwell OV-10 Bronco

In 1973, Venezula received 16 x OV-10E Broncos; with the first being formally accepted on 1 March 1973. This was followed in 1991 by a purchase of 18 x OV-10A from the USAF.

On 27 November 1992, the Broncos were widely used by mutinous officers who staged an attempted coup d'état against former President Carlos Andrés Pérez. The rebels dropped bombs and launched rockets against police and government buildings in Caracas. Four Broncos were lost during the uprising, including two shot down by a loyalist General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.

At some time, the OV-10A/E fleet was modernized with new four blade props, reducing their sound signature, and installing FLIR and night vision.

Their replacement was originally to be 48 x Embraer EMB-314 A-29 Super Tucanos, but no deal was reached due to embargoes, and instead the decision was made to replace them with the Mi-28 HAVOC; which has yet to happen in 2019.

Mi-28 HAVOC

Supposedly ten aircraft were ordered in April 2010 as replacements for the OV-10 Bronco fleet, but as of 2019, no aircraft have yet to be delivered.

EMB-312V Tucano

Venezula ordered 32 x EMB-312 Tucanos, broken into two variants:

20 x T-27 for Training
12 x AT-27 for tactical support

The first four were delivered on 14 July 1986. On 27 November 1992, the aircraft were used by mutineering officers who staged a coup d'état against former President Carlos Andrés Pérez. The rebels dropped bombs and launched rockets against police and government buildings in Caracas. One EMB-312 was shot down during the uprising by F-16s flown by loyalist pilots.