EMBRAER T-27 TUCANO
The Embraer EMB 312/T-27
Tucano is a low-wing, tandemseat, single-turboprop, basic trainer with counter-insurgency capability developed in Brazil.
The Brazilian Air Force sponsored the EMB-312 project at the end of 1978. Design work started in 1979 with the aim of producing a relatively low-cost, uncomplicated basic trainer. The prototype first flew in 1980, and initial production units were delivered in 1983.
Initially supported by a local order for 118 aircraft, with an additional 50 units approved for later delivery. In 1993 an Egyptian license-produced purchase was approved and subsequently an improved variant known as the Short Tucano, was licenseproduced in the UK. The Tucano proved successful in the military trainer arena and became one of Embraer's first international marketing successes. A total of 664 units were produced (504 by Embraer and 160 by Short Brothers) and they have flown in 16 air forces over five continents.