| Tucano | |
|---|---|
 RAF Short Tucano T1, in display colours for 2008 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Trainer aircraft |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Short Brothers |
| Status | In limited service |
| Primary users | Royal Air Force (Retired) |
| Number built | 160 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1986–1995 |
| Introduction date | 1989 |
| First flight | 14 February 1986 |
| Retired | 2019 (Royal Air Force) |
| 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 On 25 October 2019, the Tucano was withdrawn from RAF service and was replaced by the Beechcraft T-6Cs.