Embraer's new Legacy 450 mid-size jet made its first flight last week in Brazil.
The 95-minute maiden flight covered a significant range of the flight envelope and allowed for a variety of inflight systems tests, benefiting from an advanced campaign of flight simulations and extensive ground tests.
“The flight was a success,” said test pilot Eduardo Camelier. “The full fly-by-wire system, with side stick flight controls, made the flight very smooth. With the advanced avionics suite, the aircraft operation was very easy and intuitive.”
Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO said the new jet's development was running on time.
“Besides setting a new standard in business aviation, delivering innovations that reflect our vision, our commitment to customers, and our passion for excellence, I congratulate all Embraer people for achieving this important Legacy 450 program milestone on the scheduled date,” he said.
The Legacy 450 is a mid-light business jet featuring four fully-reclining club seats in a maximum cabin altitude of 6000 ft. It is the first business aircraft in its segment with full fly-by-wire technology, featuring side stick flight controls and state-of-the-art Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.
Powered by two Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, the Legacy 450 with four passengers and NBAA IFR reserves, is capable of flying non-stop from Los Angeles to Boston, or Moscow to New Delhi.