Embraer EMB 312 Tucano

infobox Aircraft
name = EMB 312 Tucano
type = Trainer aircraft
logo =
manufacturer = Embraer



caption = Esquadrilha da Fumaça EMB 312
designer =
first flight = 16 August 1980
introduction = September, 1983
retired =
status = Active
primary user = Brazilian Air Force
more users = Egyptian Air Force Argentine Air Force French Air Force
produced = 1980
number built = 504
unit cost =
developed from =
variants with their own articles = Shorts Tucano EMB 314 Super Tucano

The Embraer EMB 312 Tucano is a two seat turboprop basic trainer developed in Brazil. The prototype first flew in 1980 and initial production units were delivered in 1983. The Tucano family of aircraft became one of Embraer's first international marketing successes, with 600 units produced. An improved variant was licence-produced as the Shorts Tucano for the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force.

Design and development

In 1978 the Brazilian state owned aircraft manufacturer Embraer started the design for a new basic trainer for the Brazilian Air Force, receiving a contract for two prototypes in December that year. The first prototype flew on 16 August 1980, with the second flying for the first time on 10 December 1980.Taylor 1988, p. 13.]

The EMB-312 is designated T-27 in Brazilian Air Force (FAB) service. It is the aerobatic demonstration aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the "Smoke Squadron" ("Esquadrilha da Fumaça"). The FAB purchased 133 AT-27 light attack versions.

The upgraded EMB-312H "Super Tucano" was a losing contender in the USA's Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) aircraft selection of the 1990s. Among the seven designs to enter, the Raytheon/Pilatus entry won, which became the T-6 Texan II. Embraer worked with Northrop, which merged with Grumman part way through the competition to become Northrop Grumman. The EMB-312H's design later served as a starting point for the EMB-314, dubbed the ALX, and adopted by the Brazilian Air Force as the A-29.

Variants

;EMB-312: The standard production model.;T-27: Two-seat basic training aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force.;AT-27: Two-seat light attack version for the Brazilian Air Force.;EMB-312F: 80 units sold to France of model with French avionics.;Shorts Tucano: 130 aircraft to RAF, plus 12 for Kenya and 16 for Kuwait with a different, and more powerful, engine and custom avionics.;EMB-312H: a Northrop/Emb. developed prototype for USAF (JPATS) competition for an advanced trainer, from which derived EMB-314 EMB-314 Super Tucano (ALX) now in production for FAB. [ [http://www.embraerdefensesystems.com/english/content/training/tucano_origin.asp "Super Tucano."] Embraer Defense Systems. Retrieved: 3 August 2008.]

Operators

;ANG: 14 aircraft including six aircraft bought from Peru;ARG: 30 aircraft ;BRA: 151 aircraft;COL: 14 aircraft ;DOM: 10 aircraft ;EGY: 54 with 40 aircraft produced under license by Helwan;FRA: 50 aircraft ;GUA: 10 aircraft;HON: 12 aircraft ;IRN: 15 aircraft - IRGC Air Force;IRQ: 80 aircraft produced under licence by Helwan;PAR: 6 aircraft (three aircraft destroyed in accidents);PER: 30 aircraft (six aircraft resold to Angola);VEN: 31 aircraft

pecifications (standard EMB 312)

* Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C of 750 shp
* Propeller: three-bladed
* Maximum speed: 448 km/h
* Cruise speed: 319 km/h
* Top altitude: 9,144 m
* Maximum range: 2,055 km
* Wingspan: 11.14 m
* Length: 9.89 m
* Weight: 1,810 kg
* Maximum takeoff weight: 3,175 kg
* Weapons: 4 underwing pylons, 12.7 mm machine guns, rockets and bombs may be carried.

ee also

aircontent
related=
* Short Tucano
* Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano

similar aircraft=
* KAI KT-1
* Pilatus PC-7
* Pilatus PC-9
* PZL-130 Orlik
* T-6 Texan II

lists=

see also=

References

Notes

Bibliography

* Gunston, Bill. "The Encyclopedia of Modern Warplanes: The Development and Specifications of All Active Military Aircraft". New York: MetroBooks, 1995. ISBN 1-58663-207-8.
* Gunston, Bill. "Encyclopedia Of World Air Power". London: Crescent, 1987. ISBN 0-51749-969-X.
* Taylor, John W.R. (editor). "Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89". Coulsdon, Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1988. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.

External links

* [http://www.fab.mil.br/aeronaves/TUCANO/ Aircraft of Brazilian Air Force]
* [http://www.embraer.com.br/english/content/home/ Embraer Homepage]