When it became obvious that the venerable Jet Provost needed to be replaced as the RAF's primary jet trainer, requirement AST-412 was issued. The Shorts Tucano was selected to fulfill this requirement due to its combination of high performance allied with good fuel economy. The Shorts Tucano was developed from the Brazilian Embraer EMB-312 Tucano and has a more powerful engine, four bladed propellor, a ventral air brake, restyled wingtips and considerable structural strengthening which gives the Shorts Tucano an increase of 50% in the aircrafts fatigue life. Both crew members are equipped with Martin Baker 8LC ejection seats. Furthermore the Tucano has an identical cockpit layout to the BAe Hawk to facilitate the transition from primary to advanced training. The Tucano entered service with the RAF Central Flying School in 1988.
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