EMB 121 Xingu

The Embraer EMB‑121 Xingu is a twin‑engine, low‑wing turboprop commuter aircraft developed by the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer in the late 1970s. Its first flight took place on 29 March 1976, and the type entered commercial service the following year, primarily with regional airlines in Brazil and South America. Designed as a successor to the earlier EMB‑110 Bandeirante, the Xingu incorporates a pressurised cabin, a tricycle landing gear, and a more aerodynamic wing with a larger aspect ratio, allowing it to cruise at 260 knots (480 km/h) and achieve a range of roughly 1,400 km. Powered by two Garrett TPE331‑12U turboprop engines, it delivers reliable performance and low operating costs, making it attractive for short‑haul routes and for use as a training platform by several air forces. In total, 166 units were built before production ended in 1987. Several European operators also adopted the Xingu for island‑hop services, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse operating environments. The aircraft’s versatility, ease of maintenance, and rugged construction helped cement Embraer’s reputation as a premier producer of regional aircraft, laying groundwork for later successful models such as the EMB‑120 Brasilia and the E‑Jets family.

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