BAE Systems has received a contract from Parker Aerospace to design, produce and support flight control computers for Embraer Legacy 450 and 500 business jets.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will develop a primary flight control computer that will provide a lightweight and high-integrity solution to reduce fuel consumption and pilot workload.

BAE will also provide software, hardware, system design and support integration of the flight control computer on the aircraft.

BAE will perform programme management and design at its Rochester, UK, and Johnson City, New York, US, facilities, and produce the flight control equipment at its Fort Wayne, Indiana, US, facility.

The Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 executive jets, equipped with fly-by-wire electronic flight control, will include the largest and quietest cabin, a flat-floor stand-up (6ft) cabin, excellent pressurisation and vacuum lavatories.

The development programme, from requirements definition to first flight in 2011, will be completed in under three years.