L-7 Campeiro

The L‑7 Campeiro is a Brazilian agricultural and utility aircraft built by Indústria Aeronáutica Neiva, a subsidiary of Embraer. Development began in the early 1970s to replace older trainers such as the T‑6 Texan in the Brazilian Air Force and to serve the growing aerial‑spraying market. First flight took place on 22 March 1973 and the type entered production the following year. The Campeiro is a single‑engine, low‑wing monoplane powered by a 300‑hp (224 kW) Lycoming IO‑540‑A1B flat‑six, driving a two‑bladed propeller. Its all‑metal construction, fixed tricycle landing gear, and spacious cabin allow rapid conversion between roles – from primary flight training and liaison to crop‑dusting and light cargo transport. With a maximum take‑off weight of about 1 650 kg and a range of 1 200 km, it offers good handling at low speeds and short‑field capability, traits valued by regional operators. Over 200 units were delivered to the Brazilian Air Force, civil aeroclubs, and private farms, making the L‑7 Campeiro a workhorse that helped modernize Brazil’s general‑aviation fleet and demonstrated Neiva’s capacity to produce versatile, domestically designed aircraft. Its robust design also inspired later Neiva models such as the T‑25 Universal, cementing the company's reputation for reliable trainer aircraft in South America.

Neiva

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification