Short 312 Tucano

The turboprop trainer built for military pilot instruction.

Overview

Short Brothers United Kingdom ICAO: S312 1986–1995 $5 million (1991)

The Short 312 Tucano is a license-built version of the Embraer EMB-312 Tucano produced in the United Kingdom. Introduced in the late 1980s, it served as a primary trainer for the Royal Air Force. The aircraft emphasizes reliability and simplicity.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Garrett TPE331-12B
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
1,100 shp · 820 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
32 ft 4 in  ·  9.86 m
Tail height
11 ft 2 in  ·  3.40 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
37 ft 0 in  ·  11.28 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
7,200 lb  ·  3,300 kg
Max landing weight
6,050 lb  ·  2,750 kg
Max payload
2,750 lb  ·  1,250 kg
Fuel capacity
190 gal · 700 L · 600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
274 kt  ·  315 mph  ·  507 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
43 kt  ·  49 mph  ·  80 km/h
Range
899 nm  ·  1,030 mi  ·  1,660 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
34,000 ft  ·  10,400 m
Rate of climb
3,510 ft/min  ·  18 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,720 ft  ·  520 m
Landing distance
1,880 ft  ·  570 m
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Shorts Tucano T1

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Operational Context

Short 312 Tucano — turboprop military trainer

The Tucano first flew in UK-built form in 1986 and entered RAF service in 1989. It features a low-wing layout and tandem cockpit for instructor and student. The aircraft was selected to replace older piston-engine trainers.

Powered by a Garrett TPE331 turboprop engine producing approximately 1,100 shaft horsepower, the Tucano cruises at around 250 knots (463 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg). The cockpit is equipped with training avionics and basic weapons capability for instruction.

The Short Tucano trained RAF pilots for decades before replacement. Its turboprop performance prepared students for jet conversion. The aircraft remains an important step in British pilot training history.