PP-ZCT ¦ EGTC 03.09.1977
Embraer EMB.121A Xingu (c/n 121001)
Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica)
Cranfield (EGTC)
03 September 1977
PP-ZCT was the prototype of the Embraer EMB.121 Xingu, a design based on the wing and engines of the EMB.110 Bandeirante, and an all new fuselage with a T-tail. Named Xingu after the Xingu River, the aircraft first flew in October 1976, was then converted to series 121A and first flew as such in May 1977.
In September 1977 it was displayed at the Cranfield Business & Light Aviation Show, still as PP-ZCT, and painted up in Copersucar Fittipaldi colours. Fittipaldi Automotive was a Formula 1 racing team founded by Wilson and Emerson Fittipaldi, and operating as Copersucar-Fittipaldi between 1975 and 1977, after their main sponsor, Brazilian sugar and alcohol cooperative Copersucar.
Only 106 Xingus were built, and the model was soon superseded by the more successful EMB.120 Brasilia. PP-ZCT initially remained with the manufacturer, but was re-registered as PT-MAA sometime after 1977, and was reported as being in service with Curiango Transportadora Ltda., Sao Paulo, circa 1983. Its further history, however, is unknown, but the aircraft was eventually preserved at the Memorial Aeroespacial Brasileiro at São José dos Campos.
PP-ZCT ¦ EGTC 03.09.1977
Embraer EMB.121A Xingu (c/n 121001)
Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica)
Cranfield (EGTC)
03 September 1977
PP-ZCT was the prototype of the Embraer EMB.121 Xingu, a design based on the wing and engines of the EMB.110 Bandeirante, and an all new fuselage with a T-tail. Named Xingu after the Xingu River, the aircraft first flew in October 1976, was then converted to series 121A and first flew as such in May 1977.
In September 1977 it was displayed at the Cranfield Business & Light Aviation Show, still as PP-ZCT, and painted up in Copersucar Fittipaldi colours. Fittipaldi Automotive was a Formula 1 racing team founded by Wilson and Emerson Fittipaldi, and operating as Copersucar-Fittipaldi between 1975 and 1977, after their main sponsor, Brazilian sugar and alcohol cooperative Copersucar.
Only 106 Xingus were built, and the model was soon superseded by the more successful EMB.120 Brasilia. PP-ZCT initially remained with the manufacturer, but was re-registered as PT-MAA sometime after 1977, and was reported as being in service with Curiango Transportadora Ltda., Sao Paulo, circa 1983. Its further history, however, is unknown, but the aircraft was eventually preserved at the Memorial Aeroespacial Brasileiro at São José dos Campos.