Legacy450

Embraer has received type certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Legacy 450 mid-light executive jet.

The Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has recently certified the aircraft.

Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Marco Tulio Pellegrini said: "The FAA certification highlights our commitment to delivering innovative products that go beyond customer expectations.

"With its unique features, the Legacy 450 offers outstanding technology and performance, along with unsurpassed comfort and style."

Powered by two Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, the Legacy 450 incorporates fly-by-wire technology, side-stick flight controls, and a Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite with four 15.1in LCD displays.

The digital controls facilitate a smoother flight, improved performance and reduced pilot workload, the company said.

"The Legacy 450 offers outstanding technology and performance, along with unsurpassed comfort and style."

The luxury jet incorporates certain features of Legacy 500. It has a range of 4,769km, and flies at maximum altitude of 45,000ft.

Said to be the only mid-light jet with a 6ft-tall cabin and a flat floor, the aircraft can accommodate up to nine passengers.

Embraer expects to deliver the first Legacy 450 during the fourth quarter.

The company is building an assembly plant in Melbourne, Florida, US for the Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 aircraft. It already operates a similar one at Melbourne International Airport.

The Florida facility will feature an assembly hangar, a paint facility, a completion centre, flight preparation facility and a delivery centre. It is planned to go onstream by 2016.

Image: The Legacy 450 executive jet aeroplane. Photo: courtesy of Embraer SA.