It is a cantilever, low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction, with retractable undercarriage and side-by-side seating.

The Universal was designed in 1963 by Joseph Kovács[a] as a new primary trainer for the Brazilian Air Force, as a replacement for the T-6 Texan and Fokker S-11/S-12 types then in use.

A further developed version (designated the YT-25B Universal II) first flew on 22 October 1978,[4] but was not put into production.

It was later replaced by the Tucano in both the advanced training and attack roles, but it is still used as a primary and basic trainer at the Academia da Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force Academy).

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1976–77[2]General characteristics Performance Armament