EBACE: Embraer on track for Legacy 650 certification

Embraer said at the show this morning that its Legacy 650 is on track to secure Brazilian, European and US type certification in the second half of the year leading to first delivery to a European launch customer shortly after.

The latest member of Embraer's business jet family was launched last October as an extended-range derivative of the Legacy 600 platform and as a rival to large-cabin entrants including the Bombardier Challenger 605, Dassault Falcon 2000LX, Gulfstream G350 and G450.

The $29.5 million Legacy 650 shares the same cabin as its 10-year-old, $27.5 million Legacy 600 stablemate, but offers 925km (500nm) of additional range and a Honeywell Primus Elite flightdeck - which will also be fitted to the super-midsize Legacy 600 at a later date.

The Rolls-Royce AE3007A2-powered Legacy 650's additional range is a result of extensive airframe modifications, including the addition of an aft ventral tank and a new central wet wing box, and reinforcements to the wing structure and landing gear.


© Embraer

Two Legacy 650 prototypes are taking part in the certification campaign. Flight and ground tests are near completion, Embraer said, with about 95% of total test hours already completed.

"The Legacy 650 test campaign has gone smoothly and the results have been as expected," said Maurício Almeida, Embraer vice-president, programmes - Executive Jets. "The aircraft benefits from the proven DNA of the Legacy 600, offering enhanced capabilities with the updated cockpit and increased range," he added.

The Legacy 650 will also feature an improved noise insulation package that was incorporated to the Legacy 600 this year.