Short Tucano - Operational History

Operational History

Since first deliveries to the RAF in 1989, the Tucano has been operated primarily from No 1 Flying Training School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse to provide basic fast-jet lead-in flying training to RAF and RN student pilots. The deployment is officially to 72 (Reserve) Squadron, 207 (Reserve) Squadron and 76 Squadron (Tucano Air Navigation Squadron). Student pilots fly around 130 hours during their training course on the Tucano before progressing to the Hawk T1 aircraft at RAF Valley.

The Short Tucano replaced the Jet Provost as the basic trainer for the RAF, preparing the student pilots for progression to the Hawk T1 advanced flying training. The aircraft proved to be 70% cheaper to operate than its predecessor.. The Tucano's acident record has also been remarkably better than other ab-initio training aircraft, with only three aircraft written-off in over 20 years.

In April 2007, during the Afghanistan War, the British Parliament was debating the idea of replacing Harriers and Tornados for armed Short Tucanos during close air support missions. This would have required extensive modification as the RAF aircraft were not fitted with wing hard points.

RAF has a contract with VT Group to support maintenance until April 2014, with possible option to extend the deal for another two years. The aircraft is scheduled to be withdrawn from service in 2015, it will be replaced by the winner of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) program.