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Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia remains relevant decades after production ended

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Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia remains relevant decades after production ended
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Airbus A380 | Airbus

The Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, a regional commuter aircraft, gained significant popularity in the United States after its development in the 1970s and entry into service in the 1980s. Although no longer produced, many units remain operational today, especially for cargo operations in Africa.

Originally developed as part of Embraer's Family 12X series, the aircraft was initially named Araguaia and later relaunched as the Brasilia in 1979. The prototype first flew on July 27, 1983. It was equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW115 engines and later upgraded to PW118 engines for better performance under challenging conditions.

"The aircraft was no longer part of the Family 12X," an official noted about its evolution. Its design features include a circular cross-section fuselage, T-tail, and low-mounted straight wings. Known for its versatility and speed, it also boasts low operating costs.

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The Brasilia entered service with Atlantic Southeast Airlines in October 1985 and became popular among regional airlines in the U.S., including SkyWest Airlines which operated a fleet until retiring it in 2015. "Most of the aircraft were sold in the US," highlighting its demand among American carriers.

Primary users included Spain's Swiftair and InterCaribbean Airways alongside military use by the Brazilian Air Force. In Africa, operators like Sahara African Aviation utilized it extensively for cargo missions.

Different variants were developed over time to meet various needs: VIP versions like VC-97 for Brazil's Air Force; extended-range models introduced in 1991; freighter versions; and convertible passenger-cargo configurations.

Its specifications feature seating for up to thirty passengers with notable performance metrics such as a maximum speed of over 600 km/h (378 mph) at altitudes reaching nearly thirty thousand feet.

Despite production ending in 2001 after manufacturing three hundred fifty-eight units globally delivered across thirty-two operators worldwide—Embraer has yet designed any turbo-powered successor—but acknowledges ongoing interest due largely due towards this rugged turboprop's continued relevance both regionally & commercially today: "There is no doubt that this rugged versatile turboprop aircraft will remain popular."

Organizations Included in this History
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