Embraer EMB 326 Xavante

Embraer · Brazil · first flew 1971 · fighter

The EMB 326 Xavante is the Brazilian licence-built version of the Aermacchi MB-326 jet trainer and light attack aircraft, assembled by Embraer for the Força Aérea Brasileira from 1971.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, swept
E — Engines	1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.67 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Brazilian-built Aermacchi MB-326 with single Viper turbojet
Straight-tapered wing with slight sweep, two crew in tandem
Tip tanks and underwing hardpoints for weapons or fuel

Slim fuselage, moderately swept straight-tapered wing, tip tanks, and single-engine jet intake at the nose root are classic MB-326 identifiers; Xavante markings confirm the Brazilian build.

Specifications

The Embraer EMB 326 Xavante has a length of 10.67 m (35 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.85 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 867 km/h (539 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Embraer's first major production programme was the MB-326 under licence from Aermacchi, named Xavante after an indigenous Brazilian people. Over 180 were built, equipping FAB training and light-attack squadrons. The type proved rugged and versatile, soldiering on in varied roles for decades.

Variants

The Xavante covered the trainer and armed attack roles; FAB operated both dedicated training and combat-configured examples with gun pods and rockets.

Where you'll see it

Served extensively with the FAB from the 1970s into the 2000s in training and light attack; some examples were also used for aerobatic displays.

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