Aerotec A-122 Uirapuru

Aerotec · Brazil · first flew 1965 · light aircraft

The Aerotec A-122 Uirapuru (named after a Brazilian songbird) is a Brazilian low-wing piston trainer that became the Brazilian Air Force's standard primary trainer in the late 1960s, marking an important step in Brazil's aeronautical industry development.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	6.6 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Brazilian single-piston primary trainer with side-by-side seating
Low-wing all-metal construction with fixed tricycle gear
First Brazilian-designed military trainer to enter production

A small, clean low-wing monoplane with side-by-side seating, fixed tricycle gear, and a conventional tail; similar in layout to the Cessna 150 but with a Brazilian military fit.

Specifications

The Aerotec A-122 Uirapuru has a length of 6.6 m (22 ft).
It has a wingspan of 8.5 m (28 ft).
Its maximum speed is 220 km/h (137 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Aerotec and first flown in 1965, the Uirapuru entered Brazilian Air Force (FAB) service in 1968. It was designed to replace the Fokker S-11 and provide a straightforward, reliable primary trainer for student pilots. Production was modest at around 100 aircraft.

Variants

The T-23 Uirapuru was the FAB military designation; a civil export version was also offered. Minor improvements to engine and avionics distinguish later airframes.

Where you'll see it

Operated primarily by the Brazilian Air Force as its primary trainer; some exported to Bolivia and Paraguay. Largely replaced by the Embraer EMB-312 Tucano in advanced roles.

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