Short Tucano
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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
External links
- Aircraft of the Royal Air Force (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/tucano.html)
- Airfix 1/72 Shorts Tucano (http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/portland/971/Reviews/60s/tucano.htm)
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