Legacy 450, 500 Major Suppliers Selected

Perhaps hoping to allay concerns in the wake of last week's announcement of restructuring efforts, on Tuesday Brazilian planemaker Embraer said it is steadily moving forward with the development of its recently launched "midlight" Legacy 450 and midsize Legacy 500 executive jets, with the conclusion of the preliminary aircraft design.

The joint definition phase (JDP) on both programs formally began in July, and Embraer states more than 20 suppliers of key systems have already been selected. During this phase, Embraer and the chosen companies will work together to refine and validate the aircraft configuration through a fully digital process, including utilization of virtual reality mock-ups, CATIA V5 software, and other state-of-the-art technologies.

"We have selected industry leaders to supply the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 programs," said Maurício Almeida, Embraer Vice President Legacy 450/500 Programs – Executive Jets. "By incorporating the latest technologies and the expertise of our engineering teams, these aircraft will be best-in-breed jets, delivering premium comfort, outstanding performance, and low operating costs."

A number of "heavy-hitters" have already been selected -- companies like Honeywell, for example, which will provide its HTF7500E turbofans to power both planes, as well as APUs and air conditioning packs. Rockwell Collins has been tapped for its Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, while Héroux-Devtek will supply landing gear systems. Parker Corporation will provide flight controls, as well as fuel and hydraulics systems.

Embraer also has its team in place for a number of less-flashy items. SKF will provide throttle quadrants and rudder pedals for both aircraft, while Polyfab will offer cabin insulation materials. B/E Aerospace will supply passenger seats, while Legacy 450 and 500 flight crews will sit on seats made by Goodrich.

Overall interior design work will be handled by BMW's DesignworksUSA... continuing its affiliation with the planemaker that started with the smaller Phenom 100 and 300 entry-level jets.

As ANN reported, the Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 executive jets were commercially launched by Embraer at this year's European Business Aircraft Conference and Exhibition (EBACE), in Geneva, Switzerland, and are scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2012 and 2013, respectively. Embraer teased the new jets -- then known as the MLJ and MSJ -- in concept form at NBAA 2007 in Atlanta.

Both aircraft are clean-sheet designs, and will offer cabins with a six-foot ceiling and a flat floor, unique to their respective categories.

FMI: www.embraer.com