Short Tucano

From Free net encyclopedia

Image:Short Tucano at Shoreham.jpg Image:TucanoT1.jpg

The Short Tucano T Mk 1 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.