To promote the development of Brazil's aircraft industry, the company known as Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA was formed in 1959, the name soon being abbreviated in general use to EMBRAER. Under this title the company began operations at the beginning of January 1970, and since that time has made almost enviable progress. In addition to the design and development of indigenous aircraft, EMBRAER also builds under licence products of the US Piper Aircraft Corporation.
Among a number of highly successful designs one must include the EMBRAER EMB-110 Bandeirante (Pioneer), a twin-turboprop aircraft that was developed to meet the requirements of Brazil's Ministry of Aeronautics for a multi-purpose light transport. Designed under the guidance of well-known French designer Max Holste, the first of three prototypes, designated YC-95, flew for the first time on 26 October 1968, and production of this aircraft became one of the first tasks of the EMBRAER company. The Bandeirante found a ready market among the multitude of short-range commuter airlines, many based in the United States.
A cantilever low-wing monoplane, primarily of metal construction, the Bandeirante has a conventional fuselage and tail unit, retractable tricycle landing gear and power provided by two Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada PT6A turboprops in wing-mounted nacelles. Seating varies according to role, but the EMB-110P2 has accommodation for a maximum of 21 passengers.
When production ceased in 1990, 500 Bandeirantes had been ordered and built, variants including the EMB-110, EMB-110/C-95, EMB-110 A/EC 95, EMB-110B/R-95, EMB-110B1, EMB-110C, EMBHOE(J), EMB-110K1/C-95A, EMB-110P, EMB-110P1K and EMB-110S1. The final production versions, progressive developments of earlier aircraft, included the EMB-110P1/C-95B for quick-change passenger/cargo operations; EMB-110P2/C-95C third-level commuter transport; and two versions corresponding to the foregoing for operations at a higher gross weight which have the respective designations EMB-110P1/41 and EMB-110P2/41 A pressurised version designated EMB-110P3, did not proceed.
Two other versions were developed for more specific military applications, the first being the EMB-110P1SAR for inland or over-water search and rescue. This has accommodation for observers and a variety of rescue equipment, plus space for up to six stretcher patients. Five are operated by the Brazilian air force under the designation SC-95B. Others are the EC-95B calibration and XC-95B rain research versions. The second is the EMB-111 land-based maritime surveillance aircraft which is operated by the Coastal Command of Brazil's air force under the designation P-95. Examples have been supplied also to the Chilean navy and the air force of Gabon. Generally similar to the standard Bandeirante, the EMB-111 can be distinguished by its wingtip tanks and large nose radome. Internally it carries sea patrol radar, an inertial navigation system and Thomson-CSF passive ECM equipment. Underwing pylons can carry air-to-surface rockets, target markers and chaff dispensers. |
