Embraer Performs First Metal Cut For Legacy 500

Early this week, Embraer performed the first metal cut for the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 programs. This manufactured part belongs to the first Legacy 500 prototype aircraft. The event took place at the Company’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The Legacy 500 is on schedule to take its maiden flight in the second half of 2011.

“This first metal cut for the Legacy 500 executive jet is an important milestone in the program’s progress,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. “We are solidly committed to delivering revolutionary jets that provide best-in-class performance and comfort. The Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 are the only airplanes in their categories to offer a full fly-by-wire system and a stand-up flat-floor cabin.”

This first component manufactured by Embraer is part of the forward fuselage, on which the radome, radar, and glide slope antenna are attached. It was milled from a plate of aluminum alloy by a five-axis high-speed machine. The process was fully integrated with the digital mock-up, from which the design data were extracted and converted into a numeric control program that was then loaded into the machine. The surface of the part was also  created and was checked with a coordinate-measuring machine before moving on to the assembly process.

“Designed with the latest CATIA engineering software (V5), the Legacy 500 program benefits from the intensive use of digital manufacturing tools for the production of metallic and composite parts, as well as assembly simulations,” said Artur Coutinho, Embraer’s COO. The main structure of the jets will be built from aluminum alloy, with a substantial content of composite materials. In the production process, there will be a considerable increase  in the use of robots, and TWI friction stir welding technology will be used for the first time at Embraer in a production aircraft.

The Company will adopt a multi-site industrial strategy for the production of parts and major structures of the new jets. Sonaca, Alestis, Ducommun, and SLCA are key structural suppliers. The final assembly, as well as completion and painting will be done at the São José dos Campos plant.

FMI: www.embraer.com