Embraer Services & Support has completed the first conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500 for an undisclosed customer. The conversion was performed at the Embraer Executive Jets service centre at Bradley International airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

The full process to convert a Legacy 450 (2,900 nm range) into a Praetor 500 (3,340 nm range) can be performed at the Bradley service centre, as well as at Embraer-owned service centres in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sorocaba, Brazil and Le Bourget in Paris.

“Embraer-owned service centres are well prepared with parts kits and skilled labour and are ready to bring the most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize business jet ever made, the Praetor 500, to our existing Legacy 450 customers, with the company's primary vision of delivering the ultimate customer experience,” says Johann Bordais, president and CEO, Embraer Service & Support. “This conversion makes a great aircraft even more industry leading.”

In order to generate the range improvements synonymous with the Praetor 500, the level-sensing wiring in the fuel tanks was replaced, the over-wing gravity fuelling ports were moved, the fuel-measurement system was relocated and the wing ribs were reinforced to hold additional weight. These adjustments entailed updates to the flight control systems, including a new avionics load for the acclaimed Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck. Most noticeably, the iconic swept winglets of the Praetor were installed and the placards and logos were replaced to officially convert the Legacy 450 into a Praetor 500. The conversion was made possible by the expertise of structures and avionics specialists, A&P mechanics, logistics teams and engineers from Embraer operations around the globe.

In terms of technology, the Praetor 500 features the industry-first E2VS, a head-up display that combines synthetic and enhanced vision. It is also the only midsize business jet with full fly-by-wire flight controls and turbulence reduction capability. Comfort abounds in the Praetor 500 cabin as it is the only midsize business jet to feature a six-foot, flat-floor cabin, stone flooring, a wet galley, and a vacuum lavatory, plus plenty of baggage space.