Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia

The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia is a twin-turboprop commuter aircraft manufactured by Embraer of Brazil. First flown in 1983 and certified in 1985, the Brasilia was designed to provide reliable regional service with seating for 30 passengers. Named after Brazil's capital city, the EMB-120 features a low-wing configuration with twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW118 or PW118A turboprop engines. The aircraft was derived from the earlier EMB-110 Bandeirante and shares similar design philosophy focused on reliability and economy for regional operations. The pressurized cabin provides passenger comfort at cruise altitudes up to FL310. The EMB-120 became popular with regional airlines worldwide, particularly in North America, Europe, and South America. It served as the basis for the later EMB-120ER (Extended Range) variant with increased fuel capacity and the EMB-120RT (Reduced Takeoff weight) variant. The Brasilia also had a military variant, the VC-97, used by the Brazilian Air Force. Over 350 aircraft were produced between 1983 and 2001, establishing Embraer as a major player in the regional aircraft market.