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RAF Tucano T1 Display Team |
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The Tucano is a Brazilian design built under license by Shorts of Belfast. The aircraft won a fly-off with the Pilatus PC-9 which was being supported by BAe at the time. Infact, the PC-9 was designed specifically for the role. The Tucano is the RAF's basic training aircraft with the intention of taking pilots from the piston engined DEFTS Firefly and Grob Tutor T1 to the Hawk T1. The cockpit of the Tucano therefore closely resembles a jet and is designed so the turboprop trainer handles more closely to a jet. The Tucano is a successful and well liked aircraft in the RAF. This year's display will be from 72(R) Squadron, part of No 1 Flying Training School based at RAF Linton on Ouse in south Yorkshire which currently operate 74 examples of the Tucano. The 2009 display pilot has been announced as Flt Ly Mike Rutland, a former Harrier GR7 and Tornado GR4 pilot. Official Website: http://www.raf.mod.uk/tucanodisplayteam |
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2009 RAF Tucano T1 Display Calendar |
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Following an accident during display training in March, the 2009 Tucano Display Season has been cancelled. We wish Flt Lt Mike Rutland a speedy recovery and look forward to see Mike return as Tucano display pilot in 2010. |
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