EMB 110K1 Bandeirante

The Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante, first flown in 1968, was the Brazilian aerospace company's inaugural commercial success. Developed as a versatile, twin‑engine turboprop, the aircraft was designed to serve both civilian and military operators in remote regions where runway length and infrastructure were limited. The K1 variant, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27 engines delivering 680 shaft horsepower each, offered a maximum cruise speed of 285 knots and a range of roughly 1,300 nautical miles. Its high‑mounted, unswept wing and robust undercarriage enabled operations from grass, gravel and short paved strips, while an all‑metal airframe provided durability and ease of maintenance. Seating for up to 21 passengers, or a configurable cargo hold, made the Bandeirante popular with regional airlines, air‑charter firms, and government agencies across South America, Africa and the Caribbean. Militarily, it served as a light transport, reconnaissance and medevac platform for the Brazilian Air Force and several foreign services. The EMB 110's reliability, low operating costs and adaptability set a benchmark for short‑haul turboprops, paving the way for Embraer's later successes such as the EMB 120 Brasilia and the modern E‑Jets family.