EMB 110P Bandeirante

The Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante, introduced in 1973, was the first commercial aircraft designed and built entirely in Brazil. Developed by Embraer to meet the needs of regional airlines and government operators, the aircraft quickly became a workhorse for short‑haul services across South America, Africa and parts of Europe. The ‘P’ version, designated EMB 110P, incorporated a more powerful Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑27 turboprop engine on each wing, raising cruise speed to around 285 km/h and extending range to roughly 1,600 km. Its high‑wing configuration, rugged all‑metal airframe, and fixed tricycle landing gear allowed operations from unpaved strips, while a spacious cabin could accommodate up to nine passengers or a combination of cargo and crew. The aircraft featured modern (for its time) avionics, a pressurized cabin in later variants, and a simple, low‑maintenance design that appealed to both civilian operators and military users. Over 500 Bandeirantes were built, establishing Embraer’s reputation as a reliable regional aircraft manufacturer and paving the way for later successes such as the EMB‑120 Brasilia and the ERJ family. Today the EMB 110P remains a symbol of Brazil’s emergence in the global aviation market.