🛩️ Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia Overview:

The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia is a twin-turboprop regional airliner, designed for short-haul routes, typically serving 30 passengers. It was one of Embraer’s early commercial successes and helped the company become a respected name in regional aviation.

📆 Quick Facts:

• Role: Regional commuter airliner
• Manufacturer: Embraer (Brazil)
• First flight: July 27, 1983
• Entered service: October 1985
• Production years: 1983–2001
• Total built: ~350 aircraft

🛠️ Key Specs (EMB-120ER - Extended Range):

• Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW118A turboprops
• Power: 1,800 shp (1,342 kW) each
• Cruising speed: ~300 knots (345 mph / 555 km/h)
• Range: ~1,750 km (1,087 mi)
• Service ceiling: 32,000 ft (9,750 m)
• Passengers: 30 (typical), 2 pilots + 1 flight attendant
• Length: 20.0 m (65 ft 7 in)
• Wingspan: 19.78 m (64 ft 11 in)

✨ Features:

• Pressurized cabin (unusual for some 30-seat aircraft of its era)
• Tricycle landing gear and a T-tail design
• Efficient for short- to medium-haul routes
• Good short-field performance, making it suitable for small regional airports
• Durable and low operating cost compared to jets

🧳 Typical Operators (past & present):

• SkyWest Airlines (US)
• Continental Express / American Eagle
• Air Littoral (France)
• DAT (Denmark)
• Força Aérea Brasileira (as C-97 / VC-97)
• Also used in VIP, air ambulance, and cargo configurations

🔁 Variants:

• EMB-120RT – Regional Transport, standard version
• EMB-120ER – Extended range, upgraded engines and fuel tanks
• EMB-120FC – Freighter version
• VC-97 / C-97 – Military VIP/cargo versions
• EMB-123 Tapajós – Proposed stretched version (not built)

🔥 Fun Facts:

• The EMB-120 was so reliable that many are still flying today, especially in cargo and charter roles
• It inspired Embraer to consider a stretched jet version, which eventually evolved into the ERJ family
• Used as the basis for early flight testing of avionics and other systems for Embraer's future jets
• One of the few aircraft in its class that could cruise above 30,000 feet

🏁 Summary:

The EMB-120 Brasilia is a workhorse of regional aviation, known for its speed, efficiency, and rugged design. Though mostly retired from scheduled passenger service, it continues to serve in cargo, charter, and government roles around the world. It played a crucial part in Embraer's rise in the global aircraft market.