EMB 110P1 Bandeirante

The Embraer EMB 110 P1 Bandeirante is a twin‑engine turboprop that marked Brazil’s first successful foray into commercial aircraft production. Developed in the early 1970s as a derivative of the earlier EMB 110 prototype, the P1 version entered service in 1975 with the Brazilian Air Force and quickly attracted civilian operators. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑27 engines delivering 680 shaft horsepower, the aircraft cruises at 260 knots, has a range of roughly 1 200 nautical miles, and can accommodate up to nine passengers or a mixed cargo‑passenger load. Its rugged high‑wing configuration, fixed tricycle landing gear, and simple systems make it well‑suited for operations from unpaved strips in remote regions. Over 600 units were built, serving in airline fleets across South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, and later being adapted for maritime patrol, medical evacuation, and surveillance missions. The Bandeirante’s reliability and low operating costs helped establish Embraer as a credible global aerospace manufacturer, paving the way for later successes such as the EMB 120 Brasilia and the modern E‑Jets family. Its enduring legacy continues to influence regional transport designs, confirming the Bandeirante as a cornerstone of South American aviation heritage.