Embraer moves ahead with project to develop Legacy 500 business jet with high-speed taxi tests; first flight this fall

SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, 13 May 2012. Engineers at Aircraft manufacturer Embraer S.A. in São José Dos Campos, Brazil, are moving ahead with their company's project to develop the midsize Legacy 500 business jet with taxi runs and the beginning of ground vibration tests in anticipation of the first flight scheduled for this fall.

The Legacy 500 is to be a general aviation jet with a range of 3,000 nautical miles -- roughly the distance from New York to Los Angeles or London. The business aviation jet can be configured to carry as many as 12 passengers, and is being designed to carry four passengers farther than 3,000 nautical miles. The first prototype was rolled out last December, and certification of the Legacy 500 is currently planned for late 2013.

The business jet will have a fly-by-wire control system, the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics suite. The Legacy 500, which will compete with the Bombardier Challenger 300 and Gulfstream G100 business jets, will be 67 feet long, with a wingspan of 66 feet. The jet will fly as fast as 530 knots, and will be able to fly as 45,000 feet.

The first Legacy 500 has completed taxi runs and the beginning of ground vibration tests. Development has begin on the second and third prototypes.

The Legacy 500 taxi tests achieved 40 knots and then 80 knots. There are more than 800 Embraer engineers supporting the technical efforts to achieve certification by ANAC (Brazil), FAA (USA), EASA (Europe), and other aviation authorities in key markets throughout the world.

In January Embraer accomplished the first engine run. For more information contact Embraer online at www.embraer.com.

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