redo title The RAF's Basic Flight Trainer is the EMBRAER EMB-312 Tucano (Toucan) high performance turbo-prop trainer. Development began in 1978 in response to a Brazilian Air Force requirement for the replacement of its ageing North American Harvards & Cessna T-37s.

The Tucano was designed to give a 'jet-like flying experience' at a training level. It is used by the Brazilian Aerobatic Team (Escuadron de Fumaca or Smoke Squadron). Like the Hawk, it has an attack capability, with provision for up to 1,000kg (2,205lbs) of disposable stores on four under-wing hardpoints, usually comprising of 113kg (250lb) bombs, Avibras rocket-launcher pods or machine-gun pods.

The Tucano has been very successfully exported, with orders of 120 to Egypt, 12 to Honduras, 31 to Venezuela, 30 to Argentina, & 131 to the UK (licence built by Shorts in Belfast).

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