Short Tucano

Tucano
RAF Short Tucano T1, in display colours for 2008
Role	Trainer aircraft Type of aircraft
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Short Brothers
First flight	14 February 1986
Introduction	1989
Retired	2019 (Royal Air Force)
Status	In limited service
Primary users	Royal Air Force (Retired) Kenya Air Force Kuwait Air Force
Produced	1986–1995
Number built	160
Developed from	Embraer EMB 312 Tucano

The Short Tucano is a two-seat turboprop basic trainer built by Short Brothers in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a licence-built version of the Brazilian Embraer EMB 312 Tucano.

On 14 February 1986, the prototype conducted its maiden flight in Brazil before being delivered to Shorts to be used as a pattern aircraft and modified to meet Royal Air Force (RAF) requirements and used for trials and demonstrations. The first Short-assembled aircraft flew on 30 December 1986; deliveries to the RAF commenced during June 1988. The final example of the type was completed in 1995. Maintenance and support of the RAF's Tucano fleet was typically outsourced to several private companies.

The RAF was the Tucano's primary operator, although export sales have been achieved with the nations of Kenya and Kuwait. A handful have also been purchased and piloted by private individuals. On 25 October 2019, the Tucano was withdrawn from RAF service and was replaced by the Beechcraft T-6Cs.