Embraer EMB-312 Tucano

The Embraer EMB-312 Tucano proved itself a modest success for the Brazilian company, finding favor with several notable operators worldwide.

Detailing the development and operational history of the Embraer EMB-312 Tucano Basic Trainer / Light Attack Aircraft.  Entry last updated on 7/9/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com

Brazilian defense industry suffers what most mid-sized military powers suffer - a heavy reliance on foreign products to satisfy local requirements. In recent decades, the South American nation has joined others like China, India and Turkey in nurturing local design, development and production of such systems to eliminate the need for foreign dependency. In 1969, this movement led to the formation of state-owned Embraer and the company began by producing the Italian Aermacchi MB-326 advanced jet trainer under license - this experience proved fruitful as it led to an expansion of capabilities for the brand which, today, includes production of indigenous light aircraft, large aircraft and business jets.

The EBM-312 "Tucano" would go on to become one of the company's greatest achievements on the global stage - its first true commercial success. The aircraft was backed by the Brazilian Air Force in a 1978 initiative which produced a prototype first-flight on August 16th, 1980. The versatile aircraft could be used in both basic training and light attack roles and the service liked what it saw to commit to a first-batch of 118 aircraft with an option for 50 further units. First deliveries commenced in September of 1983 and another ten aircraft were added in 1990 (the last forty of the original option was also eventually exercised).

At its core, the Tucano was built around proven qualities common to many basic trainers already on the world stage. A lightweight design was chosen that featured low-mounted, straight wing mainplanes, a nose-mounted engine, tandem seating under a long, unobstructed canopy and a traditional single-finned tail unit. The undercarriage was wholly retractable and of a tricycle arrangement. The compact aircraft proved robust enough to mount external munitions (or fuel tanks) under its wings for the training or attack roles.

Dimensions included a length of 32.3 feet, a wingspan of 36.5 feet and a height of 11 feet. Empty weight was 4,000lb against an MTOW of 7,000lb. Power was from a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C turboprop engine developing 750 horsepower and driving a three-bladed propeller unit at the nose. Performance specs included a maximum speed of 285 miles per hour, a range out to 1,200 miles, a service ceiling up to 28,700 feet and a rate-of-climb nearing 1,900 feet-per-minute.

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