The Embraer EMB 121 Xingu (, named after the Xingu River) is a twin-turboprop fixed-wing aircraft built by the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer. The design is based on the EMB 110 Bandeirante, using its wing and engine design merged with an all-new fuselage. The EMB 121 first flew on 10 October 1976.

A modified form of the EMB 121, the EMB 121A1 Xingu II, was introduced on 4 September 1981 with a more powerful engine (PT6A-135), increased seating (8 or 9 passengers) and a larger fuel capacity.

Before production ceased in 1987, Embraer had produced 106 EMB 121 aircraft, 51 of which were exported to countries outside Brazil. The Xingu is a low-winged cantilever monoplane with a retractable tricycle undercarriage and a circular section fuselage. Its wing is based on that used by the Bandeirante, but with reduced wingspan. Like the Bandeirante, it is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines. The first production aircraft made its maiden flight on 20 May 1977, and was exhibited at that year's Paris Air Show. The Xingu received its Brazilian type certificate in May 1977, followed by certification by the British Civil Aviation Authority in July that year. Development of the Xingu III had been abandoned by 1984. It replaced the original version in production after 29 had been built. Xingu Is could be modified to Xingu II standard, and that option was taken by several operators. The Brazilian Air Force's Xingus remained in service until 2010. The Xingu remained in French service in 2022, with 22 in Air Force and 10 in Navy service.

Variants

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;EMB 121A Xingu I : Initial production version, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-28 engines. powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42 engines. Abandoned in favour of simpler Xingu III.

;EMB 120 Araguaia : 20

Military operators

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  • Brazilian Air Force

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  • French Air and Space Force
  • French Naval Aviation

Specifications (EMB 121A1 Xingu II)

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See also

References

Notes

Bibliography

  • EMB-121 information at Airliners.net