Embraer EMB 312 Tucano

Summary

Category	Training aircraft
Origin country	🇧🇷 Brazil
First flight	16 August 1980
Year of introduction	1983
Number produced	624 units

Description

The Embraer EMB-312 Tucano was conceived in response to a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) requirement issued in 1977 to replace the aging Cessna T-37C. State-owned Embraer, seeking to reduce dependency on foreign companies, began design and development in 1979 on a low-cost, relatively simple, new basic trainer with innovative features. Guido Fontegalante Pessotti led Embraer's design team, which included Joseph Kovacs, who redesigned the EMB-311 to produce the EMB-312. On 6 December 1978, Embraer was officially awarded a contract to produce two prototypes and two airframes for fatigue tests. Within 21 months of the contract having been signed, the first prototype took flight on 16 August 1980, bearing the FAB serial 1300. Initial production units were delivered in 1983, supported by an initial order for 118 aircraft with options for an additional 50 units.

Many features of the EMB-312 became standard in later basic-training aircraft designs. It was the first turboprop trainer developed from the beginning with military jet capability. A Martin-Baker Mk8L ejection seat was fitted. It was Embraer's first aircraft with tandem seats designed with a raised rear seat optimized for an uninterrupted view from the rear cockpit and a frameless bubble canopy for unobstructed visibility. Major aircraft features include an automatic torque control system and the jet-like, single-lever throttle which combined both engine power and propeller pitch, assuring smooth and rapid acceleration and deceleration. The aircraft is fitted with a retractable tricycle undercarriage with steerable nosewheels, allowing a fairly large crab angle during cross-wind landing. The reverse pitch control allows the constant-speed mechanism to be manually overridden to reverse the blade pitch angle, thus providing ground-handling characteristics and helping to shorten the landing run. This control also allows the aircraft to back up on its own during taxiing. High maneuverability, stability at low speeds, and four underwing pylons providing for up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) of ordnance, allow the training aircraft to engage in tactical bombing campaigns in low-intensity conflict or counterinsurgency environments and in counternarcotics interceptions. The type can carry up to 694 liters (183 US gal) of fuel internally; additionally, two fuel tanks of 660 liters (170 US gal) or 330 liters (87 US gal) can be fitted to underwing weapon stations for extended endurance.

The EMB-312 Tucano is equipped with four under-wing pylons, providing a total capacity of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) for ordnance. These hardpoints can accommodate a variety of munitions, including AN/M-B, 12.7 mm, or 7.62 mm machine gun pods, with the latter containing 500 rounds. Rocket options include 127 mm HVAR ground rockets and rocket pods such as SBAT (7x) 37 mm and SBAT (7x) 70 mm. For bombing missions, the Tucano can carry Mk 81 and Mk 82 general-purpose bombs, as well as MK 76 (20 lb) practice bombs. Some aircraft can carry RMP LC Rocket Machine Gun pods with a 12.7mm M3P and (4x) 70 mm rockets.

The EMB-312 Tucano has seen extensive operational use across various air forces, often proving adaptable beyond its initial training role. In Angola, AT-27s performed air strikes and surveillance during the civil war, supplemented by the delivery of stored EMB-312 demonstrators to cover wartime losses. Argentina employed the Tucano to replace the Morane-Saulnier MS.760 Paris in its military aviation school, accumulating over 100,000 flight hours in 25 years. The Brazilian Air Force utilized the aircraft for advanced pilot training and close air support, notably during Operation Traira against Colombian rebels and for border patrols in the Amazon. In Colombia, AT-27s were initially trainers but quickly transitioned to close air support and air superiority missions in counter-insurgency operations, with the integration of night vision goggles enhancing their capabilities. Egypt acquired Tucanos through a technology transfer program, with some aircraft being assembled locally and later used for pilot training. Honduras used its EMB-312s for advanced training and illegal flight patrols, including shooting down drug-smuggling aircraft. Iran deployed Tucanos against Taliban positions and in drug-busting operations. Peru actively used the aircraft for ground attacks, antidrug operations, and even night bomber raids during the Cenepa War against Ecuadorian forces. In Venezuela, AT-27s were involved in anti-guerrilla and anti-narcotic campaigns, and were even used during a coup attempt in 1992, with some being shot down by loyalist F-16s.

Main Variants:

Tucano YT-27: These were pre-series prototypes used for testing and development of the Tucano design.
Tucano T-27: This is a two-seat basic training variant used to train new pilots in flying skills and aircraft handling.
Tucano AT-27: This is a two-seat light-attack variant, equipped with weapons for performing ground attack missions.
EMB-312F: This is an uprated version built for the French Air Force, featuring enhanced avionics, increased fatigue life, and a ventral airbrake.
EMB-312S: Also known as the Short Tucano, this is an uprated, license-produced trainer version built at Short Brothers, featuring a more powerful engine, custom avionics and a strengthened structure.

Technical specifications

Version: T-27 Tucano
Maximum speed	448 km/h (278 mph)
Wing area	19.4 m² (208.8 sqft)
Wingspan	11.1 m (36.5 ft)
Height	3.4 m (11.2 ft)
Length	9.9 m (32.3 ft)
Service ceiling	9145 m (30003 ft)
Empty weight	1870 kg (4123 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	3175 kg (7000 lbs)
Climb rate	11.33 m/s (37.2 ft/s)
Takeoff distance	374 m (1227 ft)
Powerplant	1 × turboprop Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C delivering 559 kW
Ejection seat	Martin-Baker Mk 8A

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Brazil	194
	Egypt	54
	Colombia	38
	Chile	22
	Angola	18
	Venezuela	18
	Ecuador	17
	Indonesia	15
	Iran	15
	Argentina	14
	Nigeria	12
	Kenya	11
	Mauritania	9
	Dominican Republic	8
	Honduras	8
	Lebanon	6
	Paraguay	6
	Philippines	6
	Turkmenistan	5
	Burkina Faso	3
	Mali	3
	Ghana	0 (+9)
	United States	0 (+3)