Embraer EMB 312 Tucano

The EMB 312 Tucano, whose name means toucan, is a low-wing, tandem-seat, single-turboprop basic trainer and light attack aircraft that Embraer produced in Brazil. The Brazilian Air Force sponsored the project at the end of 1978, asking for a cheap and simple trainer that imitated the handling of a jet, and design work began in 1979. The prototype first flew in 1980 and initial production units were delivered in 1983, backed by a local order for 118 aircraft. The Tucano set the international standard for basic training aircraft and became one of Embraer's first export successes, including licence production in Egypt and, as the Short Tucano, in the United Kingdom. In all, 637 were built, 477 by Embraer and 160 by Short Brothers, and they flew in 18 air forces.