Embraer midsize Legacy 500 program achieves milestones
Three prototypes currently in production . Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, October 2011 – Embraer announced, on October 9, in a press conference at the 64th National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention, that it continues to achieve milestones in its midsize Legacy 500 executive jet development program, which is in progress with three prototypes currently in production.
The wing and fuselage of the first prototype have been mated. In addition, systems installation in the first prototype is underway. Assembly and installation of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, cabin door, rudder and elevator assemblies are being concluded. The Honeywell HTF7500E engines and tail cone for this aircraft have been delivered to Embraer’s assembly facility.
“By using Embraer’s strategic multi-site, worldwide industrial program for the Legacy 500, we were able to manufacture and join the fuselage sections of the second prototype within weeks after the first aircraft’s fuselage was mated,” says Maurício Almeida, Vice President, Programs – Embraer Executive Jets. “The second prototype will be used during the developmental and ground/flight testing phases, which will benefit from Embraer’s proven experience with its other executive and commercial models.”
The second prototype’s wing trailing edge and other structural components and systems are also being assembled. The first structural segments of the third prototype are being finished, and the fuselage is expected to be joined by the end of this year.
Testing systems are operational, including the fly-by-wire Iron Bird that has performed more than 1,400 hours of tests. Legacy 500 pilots will enjoy the space and comfort afforded by fly-by-wire and the ergonomics of a spacious pilot-centered cockpit. The Rockwell Collins Proline Fusion® Integrated Flight Deck has been selected for its advanced technology and large displays.
Robust design requirements, use of state-of-the-art technology, and strict quality control processes contribute to seamless manufacturing and assembly of the Legacy 500 prototypes, as the Company and its partners and suppliers continue the development stages of this aircraft.
To validate the final interior design and engineering, Embraer has built a Legacy 500 full-scale mockup (cockpit and passenger cabin) assembled with approximately 90% of actual aircraft components. The Legacy 500 can accommodate up to 12 passengers in a 6-foot stand-up cabin with a flat floor. Premium seats will be equipped with leg rest, head rest flexible wings, electrically actuated lumbar support, and massage and heating systems, which are unique in its category. Each club seat pairing will be able to convert into a flat bed.
Currently, more than 800 Embraer engineers support the certification discussions with ANAC (Brazil), FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe). A minor modification has been made in the program’s schedule, with the first flight of the Legacy 500 postponed for three to six months. The schedule revision is mainly due to some additional work on the fly-by-wire system, and the Company is working closely with the supplier on this issue. In order to begin deliveries only a month or two later than the original plan, the intention is to accelerate the test program.
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