Short T1 Tucano

The Short Tucano is a two-seat turboprop basic trainer aircraft built in response to the British government’s need to replace its aging fleet of basic trainer aircraft. Development of the Short Tucano commenced in May 1984 following an agreement between Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Northern Ireland aviation firm Short Brothers. It is a license-built version of the Brazilian Embraer EMB 312 Tucano. On February 14, 1986, the prototype conducted its maiden flight in Brazil before being delivered to Short to be used as a pattern aircraft and modified to meet Royal Air Force (RAF) requirements.

The first Short-assembled aircraft flew on December 30, 1986; deliveries to the RAF commenced during June 1988. The Tucano was primary operated by No. 1 Flying Training School based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse to provide basic fast-jet flying training to RAF and Royal Navy student pilots. After nearly 130 training hours, student pilots progressed to the jet-powered Hawk T2 aircraft. The Tucano remained a dedicated training platform due to the cost to modify it with a weapons system. Additionally, the RAF’s Tucanos have been typically maintained by private companies.

The Short Tucano was produced until 1995. During the production phase over 155 aircraft were manufactured in three different variants. The Tucano fleet was an inexpensive means of meeting the RAF’s basic training requirements. Approximately 130 two-seat Tucano T1 variants were assigned to the RAF. The last RAF Tucano was withdrawn from service in October 2019. Roughly 12 of the Tucano Mk. 51 variants were exported to Kenya and remain in service as of 2025. The final variant, Tucano Mk.52, was exported to Kuwait and are currently assigned to a training squadron.

Manufacturer
Short

Markings
No. 72 (Reserve) Squadron Royal Air Force, RAF Linton-on-Ouse, UK, 2019

Designation
T1 Tucano

Serial Number
ZF513