The Embraer EMB-326 Xavante is a military jet trainer and light attack aircraft, built under license in Brazil by Embraer, based on the Italian Aermacchi MB-326 design. It played a key role in developing Brazil’s aerospace industry and was Embraer’s first jet aircraft, paving the way for future indigenous designs.

🛩️ Overview:

• Role: Jet trainer / light attack aircraft
• Manufacturer: Embraer (Brazil, under license from Aermacchi)
• Original design: Aermacchi MB-326 (Italy)
• Brazilian designation: EMB-326 Xavante
• First flight (Brazilian-built): 1971
• Introduced: Early 1970s
• Retired (Brazilian Air Force): 2010
• Number built by Embraer: Over 180 units

🛠️ Key Specifications:

• Engine: 1 × Rolls-Royce Viper Mk.20 turbojet
• Thrust: ~3,400 lbf (15.1 kN)
• Length: ~10.65 m (35 ft)
• Wingspan: ~10.5 m (34.5 ft)
• Max speed: ~865 km/h (537 mph)
• Range: ~880 km (547 mi)
• Service ceiling: ~12,000 m (39,370 ft)
• Crew: 2 (student + instructor or pilot + weapons officer)
• Armament: Up to 1,800 kg (4,000 lbs) of ordnance Guns, rockets, bombs, and training munitions (typically underwing pylons)
  • Up to 1,800 kg (4,000 lbs) of ordnance
  • Guns, rockets, bombs, and training munitions (typically underwing pylons)

✨ Design Features:

• Side-by-side or tandem two-seat configuration (trainer variant)
• Single-engine, straight-wing design
• Highly maneuverable and easy to maintain
• Used for basic to advanced jet training, weapons training, and light ground attack
• Excellent aerobatic capability, used in military air displays

🧳 Operators:

• Brazilian Air Force (FAB) – primary user
• Also exported to: Togo Paraguay Burkina Faso Total: ~180+ aircraft built in Brazil
  • Togo
  • Paraguay
  • Burkina Faso
  • Total: ~180+ aircraft built in Brazil

🔥 Legacy & Fun Facts:

• The Xavante was Embraer’s first licensed production aircraft, a major milestone for Brazil’s aerospace industry
• Helped train generations of Brazilian military pilots
• Often flew in aerobatic teams, including Brazil’s “Esquadrilha da Fumaça” before being replaced by the EMB-312 Tucano
• The Xavante's service helped Embraer gain experience in jet design, production, and systems integration, leading to more advanced aircraft like the AMX, Tucano, and eventually the Embraer E-Jet series

🏁 Summary:

The EMB-326 Xavante is a historic Brazilian jet, important not just for its training and combat role, but as a foundation for Embraer’s rise as a major global aircraft manufacturer. Rugged, reliable, and versatile, it left a lasting legacy in Brazilian aviation.