Clean-Sheet Design Incorporates Fly-By-Wire Technology

The flight test program for Embraer's Legacy 500 midsize business jet is underway. The company conducted a "flawless" first flight Tuesday at its headquarters in Brazil.

Embraer test pilots Mozart Louzada and Eduardo Camelier with flight test engineers Gustavo Paixão and Alexandre Figueiredo flew the aircraft for one hour and forty five minutes, performing handling and performance characteristics evaluation. As a result of the extensive simulation use and ground testing, the aircraft was able to cover a significant flight envelope on the maiden flight.  Aircraft systems were assessed including landing gear retraction.

“The flight was a success, precisely according to plan. In fact, it was flawless,” said Capt. Louzada.

"This remarkable airplane symbolizes the future of executive aviation and is the product of the innovation, talent and dedication that is part of the Embraer culture," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO.

“This is the aircraft that will move us from industry player to industry leader,” said Ernest Edwards, President, Embraer Executive Jets. “It is hard to overstate the importance of fly-by-wire technology. Fly-by-wire does for business aviation what GPS has done for navigation. It will empower more precision, efficiency, safety and comfort every time the aircraft flies."

The Legacy 500 is a “clean-sheet” design which Embraer says included extensive input from operators and customers. The airplane is the first midsize business jet incorporating a fly-by-wire control system and full six-foot, stand-up cabin with a flat floor. It will be followed by Embraer’s fourth clean-sheet design, the mid-light Legacy 450, which will enter service one year later. “Clean-sheet designs are part of our DNA. They are the reason we can be so responsive to customer needs without compromise,” said Marco Túlio Pellegrini, Senior Vice President Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Embraer Executive Jets. . Embraer’s popular entry-level Phenom 100 and light Phenom 300 are also clean-sheet designs.

The Legacy 500 is powered by two advanced, fuel-efficient Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, each capable of producing 6,540 pounds of thrust. The aircraft features Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics with synthetic vision.

Deliveries are expected to begin in 2014.

(Image provided by Embraer)

FMI: www.embraer.com