Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Floatin' on th' Black Pig, Yarr!
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IFTB,
Tucano started out as a simple re-engined concept of the Brazilian aircraft, however, the cockpit was redesigned, the electrical system was redesigned and during the development and build a vast amount of the airframe and systems were rejigged.
This came about because a surprising amount of the original spec aircraft was based upon commercial & non-aerospace specification materials that were not acceptable to Shorts or the RAF.
I worked on many major systems on the aircraft over several years and would put my hand on my heart and say honestly that the aircraft in service has little in common with the Brazilian aircraft in detailed design, build or specification.
That aside, I agree that the wrong aircraft was built, it was a political hadout and allowed the loss of much talent and skill from UK PLC engineering.