It has been revealed that the Hellenic Air Force and Swift Aviation are Embraer's European and US launch customers respectively, for its new Legacy business jet. First flight of the Legacy - a corporate variant of the 37-seat ERJ 135 regional jet - is scheduled for next February, with JAA and FAA certification expected in the third quarter of 2001.

Aimed at the corporate, executive and authorities transport market, the Brazil-based manufacturer says the aircraft is expected to result in a supe-rior jet level of flight at turboprop cost.

Embraer launched its entry into the business jet market at a dinner at London's Natural History Museum, held in conjunction with this year's Farnborough Air Show. Said Romualdo Barros, Embraer's vice president defence market: "We expect the Legacy to set new standards on the business jet market by delivering outstanding comfort and range for business travel within the European continent and Middle East region at lower costs than those existing business jets", After announcing the name of the new business jet and unveiling a scale model of the aircraft, Embraer's president and ceo Maurício Botelho commented on the company's decision to move into the corporate jet market. "This is a logical step in the evolution of Embraer as a company," he said. "We believe we have a uniquely positioned product, the ability to deliver that product to the market, and the widespread interest and support of the aviation community."

Embraer announced last year that it would consider offering a corporate variant of its successful 37-seat ERJ 135 regional jet following talks with potential customers at the Paris Air Show.

"We think the Legacy business jet will redefine the category," said Sam Hill, vice chairman of Embraer Aircraft Corp. and leader of the new division created to lead Embraer's corporate jet programme. "With a range of 3,200 nm and a cost of around US$19M complete, the Legacy is comparable to the Continental, Horizon and Galaxy, but with 1,410 cubic feet of space, it is expected to have a cabin volume at least 60 per cent larger. We believe that extra room at the same price makes the Legacy an attractive alternative to smaller jets."

Embraer says the Legacy's 3,200nm range with eight passengers was achieved by extending the fairing and redesigning the cargo hold of ERJ 135 to allow for the addition of 7,000 lbs of fuel. Even with some cargo space reallocated to additional fuel storage, company officials expect the Legacy to have the largest cargo volume of any business aircraft in its class.

Other modifications include the addition of winglets and changes to improve the aircraft's shortfield performance.

Embraer is also developing a 20-seat corporate shuttle version of the Legacy. Based on a mechanically unmodified, 1,700 nm-range ERJ 135, the shuttle will cost around US$15.5 million complete.