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Short Tucano

(Redirected from Shorts Tucano)

The Short Tucano is a basic two seat turboprop trainer used by the RAF. It is an adaptation of the EMBRAER Tucano , the principle alteration being the use of a Garrett turboprop powerplant over the standard Pratt & Whitney engine.

The Tucano was selected in 1985 as a replacement for the RAF's previous basic flying trainer aircraft, the Jet Provost. The decision to replace the engine used in the standard EMBRAER model with the Garrett engine caused a number of problems which delayed the introduction of the aircraft, so that it was 1989 by the time it came into service.

Aside from a different powerplant, the other differences between the Short Tucano and the EMBRAER Tucano are:

  • A strengthened airframe.
  • A new cockpit layout similar to the Hawk advanced trainer.
  • A four, as opposed to three, bladed propeller.
  • Ventral airbrake and restyled wingtips.
  • The fitting of Martin-Baker MB 8LC ejection seats for both crew.

In service the Tucano has proven to be 70% cheaper to operate than its predecessor. It has a greater range and endurance than the Jet Provost which allows it to fly two consecutive sorties before being refuelled.

General characteristics

  • Engines: One Garrett TPE331 -12B turboprop delivering 1100 shp
  • Length: 32 ft 4 in (9.86 m)
  • Wingspan: 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m)
  • Top Speed: 315 mph (507 km/h)
  • Accommodation: Two - student pilot (front) and instructor pilot (rear seat)
  • Armament: None

See also

  • EMBRAER Tucano
  • EMBRAER Super Tucano/ALX

External links

Last updated: 05-07-2005 10:38:55
Last updated: 05-13-2005 07:56:04