Embraer VU-9 Xingu
The Embraer EMB-121 Xingu is a twin-turboprop light transport that reuses the wing and engines of Embraer's EMB-110 Bandeirante mated to an all-new, pressurized fuselage. The Brazilian Air Force, one of the type's first customers, designated its six aircraft VU-9 and flew them from 1978 for staff and VIP transport, upgrading them to Xingu II standard in 1983. Roughly 106 examples were built for military and civilian operators before Embraer ended production in 1987. Brazil retired its last VU-9 in 2010, with one preserved at the Museu Aeroespacial in Rio de Janeiro.
Did you know?
The Xingu reuses the EMB-110 Bandeirante's wing and engines but carries an all-new pressurized fuselage; the Brazilian Air Force flew six VU-9s for VIP transport.
Specifications
| Length | 12.3 m (40 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14.5 m (48 ft) |
| Height | 4.7 m (15 ft) |
| Persons on board | 13 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 5.6 t |
| Range | 1,270 NM (2,352 km) |
| Service ceiling | 28,000 ft (8,534 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,600 ft/min (8.1 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 820 m (2,690 ft) |
| Landing distance | 640 m (2,100 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 1,300 l |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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