WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. Air Force has awarded Sierra Nevada Corp. a contract worth more than $427 million, dealing a major blow to Wichita-based Beechcraft as it emerges from bankruptcy protection.

The announcement Wednesday means Sierra Nevada will build at least 20 light air support planes in Jacksonville, Fla., for use in Afghanistan. The contract could ultimately be worth nearly $1 billion, depending on future orders.