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| EMBRAER EMB-312 Tucano |
Militarymedia.net - The Brazilian EMBRAER Tucano (toucan) is one of the most successful turboprop trainers in the world, and its light attack derivatives are gaining significant orders. The design of the EMB-312 Tucano high-performance trainer began in 1978 in response to the Forca Aerea Brasileira (FAB - Brazilian air force) specification. First flown on August 16, 1980, the Tucano prototype was followed by 133 production aircraft designated T-27 for the FAB. Designed to provide a jet-like flying experience, the Tucano features a long cockpit with vertical ejection seats and a single power level that regulates propeller pitch and engine speed.
Tucano have also been shipped to Argentina (30), Colombia (14), Egypt (54), France (50), Iran (25), Iraq (80), Honduras (12), Paraguay (6), Peru (30) and Venezuelan (31); A further 27 aircraft have been built for an undisclosed customer.
The Tucano's most notable export success came in March 1985, when it won a British order for an aircraft to replace RAF Jet Provosts in the basic training role. The resulting Tucano T.Mk 1 was produced under license by Shorts. This model featured various modifications including British equipment and a more powerful Garrett engine. Shorts made 130 examples for the RAF and later aircraft for Kenya (12) and Kuwait (16).
In June 1991 EMBRAER announced the EMB-312H (later EMB-314) Super Tucano with a stretched fuselage, upgraded PT6A engine, NVG-compatible Kevlar armored cockpit, and forward-facing infrared. This type has higher performance and greater agility, as well as the ability to carry heavier loads. In August 1995, the FAB ordered the full development of the ALX variant of the EMB-314. Aimed at light attack, Amazon border patrol and weapons training, about 99 aircraft have been ordered, comprising 49 single-seat A-29 attack machines, 20 two-seat AT-29s with night attack capability and 30 advanced trainer AT-29s.
