Fri, Apr 23, 2010
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.
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