Short Tucano
Short Brothers · United Kingdom · first flew 1986 · transport aircraft
The Short Tucano (S.312) is a British licence-built version of the Embraer EMB 312 Tucano primary trainer, substantially re-engineered with a more powerful Garrett TPE331 turboprop and an airframe reinforced to meet RAF requirements. It serves as the RAF's basic fast-jet trainer.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboprop, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.86 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Licence-built Embraer Tucano with uprated Garrett engine
- Tandem-seat trainer with straight low wing
- Pressurised-style cockpit for fast jet lead-in training
The Short Tucano resembles the original Embraer Tucano but has a longer, more pronounced nose cowling housing the larger Garrett engine, a slightly revised canopy, and a heavier overall appearance due to structural reinforcement. The tandem cockpit and low straight wing are common to both.
Specifications
- The Short Tucano has a length of 9.86 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.14 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 504 km/h (313 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Short Brothers of Belfast won the RAF basic trainer competition in 1985 with a proposal to build a significantly modified version of the Embraer Tucano. The Short Tucano first flew in December 1986 and entered RAF service in 1988. Around 130 were built for the RAF and export customers.
Variants
The T Mk 1 is the RAF standard version. Export variants were supplied to Kenya (T Mk 51) and Kuwait (T Mk 52). The Short Tucano differs enough from the Brazilian Embraer original to be treated as a distinct aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Has served as the RAF's standard basic flying trainer since 1988, operating from RAF Linton-on-Ouse and later RAF Valley through No. 72 Squadron and the Central Flying School. A fleet replacement programme is in progress.
Related aircraft
- Short Tucano T.1
- Short C-23 Sherpa
- Shorts 360
- Shorts 330
- Beriev A-40 Albatros
- Conair Firecat
- Piasecki PA-97 Heli-Stat
- Antonov An-71
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