The Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante is a Brazilian twin‑engine turboprop light transport aircraft produced by Embraer. First flown on 13 February 1973, the type entered commercial service later that year and was manufactured from 1974 until 1990, with a total of 518 airframes completed.
Design and Development
- Origins: Developed in response to a Brazilian government request for a versatile utility aircraft capable of operating from short, unprepared airstrips.
- Airframe: Low‑wing monoplane with a conventional tail, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a semi‑monocoque fuselage.
- Powerplant: Early models were equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27 turboprop engines; later variants used the more powerful PT6A‑34.
- Capacity: Typically seats 6–9 passengers in commuter configurations, with alternate layouts for cargo, medical evacuation, or military transport. Maximum payload is approximately 2 500 kg (5 511 lb).
Variants
| Designation | Role | Engine | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMB 110A | Basic commuter | PT6A‑27 | Fixed landing gear (prototype) |
| EMB 110B | Commercial transport | PT6A‑27 | Retractable gear, increased fuel capacity |
| EMB 110C | Cargo/utility | PT6A‑27 | Reinforced floor, large cargo door |
| EMB 110P | Patrol/Surveillance | PT6A‑34 | Equipped with radar, FLIR, and mission systems |
| EMB 110R | Regional airliner | PT6A‑34 | Higher cruise speed, improved avionics |
| EMB 110S | Military trainer/utility | PT6A‑27/34 | Modified cockpit for training, hard points for light weapons |
Operational History
- Civil Use: Widely operated by regional airlines across South America, Africa, and Asia. Notable operators have included Aerovias Brasil, TAM Transportes Aéreos Regionais (later TAM Airlines), and Air Botswana.
- Military Use: Served in the air forces and navies of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and several other nations, primarily for liaison, transport, surveillance, and maritime patrol duties.
- Accidents: The aircraft’s safety record reflects typical turboprop operations; most incidents have been attributed to factors such as weather, pilot error, or runway conditions rather than inherent design flaws.
Specifications (EMB 110C)
- Crew: 1–2 pilots
- Length: 12.78 m (41 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 15.00 m (49 ft 2 in)
- Height: 4.38 m (14 ft 4 in)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 7 800 kg (17 196 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27, 680 shp (507 kW) each
- Maximum Speed: 300 km/h (186 mph; 162 knots)
- Cruise Speed: 260 km/h (144 mph; 126 knots)
- Range: 1 800 km (1 118 mi; 971 nm) with standard fuel load
- Service Ceiling: 9 500 m (31 200 ft)
Legacy
The EMB 110’s robust construction, adaptability, and relatively low operating costs have made it a durable platform for both civilian and military users. Its design principles informed later Embraer models, notably the EMB 120 Brasilia, which expanded on the Bandeirante’s capabilities for larger passenger loads and longer routes. The aircraft remains in limited service with several operators, primarily in niche roles such as bush flying, sky‑diving, and maritime patrol.
