Press Release
Issued by Embraer.
May 3, 2010
Embraer is moving steadily towards the Legacy 650 jet type certification in the second half of 2010 by the Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), followed by the U.S. (FAA) certificate. The first delivery is planned for this year to a Europe-based customer.
The Legacy 650 was announced at the 62 nd Annual Meeting and Convention of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), as an extended-range derivative of the successful Legacy 600 platform. The aircraft's increased 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 has two Legacy 650 prototypes in the certification campaign. Both flight and ground tests are near completion, with approximately 95% of total test hours already accomplished. A series of tests and demonstrations were carried out, focusing on the aircraft's performance, flight quality, engines, and the fuel system. Results have demonstrated the aircraft is meeting performance targets. The integration of the Honeywell Primus EliteTM system is also progressing as planned. This new avionics suite equips both the Legacy 650 and the Legacy 600, providing advanced navigation, communication, and graphical display capabilities.
"The Legacy 650 test campaign has gone smoothly and the results have been as expected. The airplane benefits from the proven DNA of the Legacy 600, offering enhanced capabilities with the updated cockpit and increased range," said Maurício Almeida, Embraer Vice President, Programs – Executive Jets.
In mid-April, another important campaign milestone was achieved: the new highly efficient Rolls-Royce AE 3007A2 engines received FAA's type and production certificates. The Legacy 650 will also feature an improved noise insulation package that was incorporated to the Legacy 600 this year. This solution makes extensive use of state-of-the-art materials to lower interior noise levels by more than 3 decibels SIL (Speech Interference Level).
