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27 July 2000
Embraer launched its entry into the business jet market at the beginning of this year's Farnborough Air Show. The aircraft was the centrepiece of the annual Embraer press event, held in conjunction with the Farnborough Air Show.
After announcing the new Legacy, the name of the new business jet, and unveiling a scale model of the aircraft, Embraer's President and CEO, Mauricio Botelho, said it was a logical step in the evolution of Embraer as a company.
"We believe we have a uniquely positioned product, the ability to deliver that product to the market, and the widespread interest and support of the aviation community."
Embraer announced last year that it would consider offering a corporate variant of its successful 37-seat ERJ 135 regional jet following talks with potential customers at the Paris Air Show. Swift Aviation and the Hellenic Air Force were introduced as the US and European launch customers, respectively, for the new bizjet.
"We think the Legacy business jet will redefine the category," says Sam Hill, vice chairman of Embraer Aircraft Corp. and leader of the new division created to lead Embraer's corporate jet program. "With a range of 3,200 nm and a cost of around US$19M complete, the Legacy is comparable to the Continental, Horizon, and Galaxy, but with 1,4 10 cubic feet of space, it is expected to have a cabin volume at least 60 percent larger. We believe that extra room at the same price makes the Legacy an attractive alternative to smaller jets.
The Legacy's 3,200 nm range with eight passengers was achieved by extending the fairing and redesigning the cargo hold of ERJ 135 to allow for the addition of 7,000 lbs. of fuel. Even with some cargo space reallocated to additional fuel storage, the Legacy is expected to have the largest cargo volume of any business aircraft in its class. Other modifications include the addition of winglets and changes to improve the aircraft's short field performance.
Embraer is also developing a 20-seat corporate shuttle version of the Legacy. Based on a mechanically unmodified, 1,700 nm-range ERJ 135, the shuttle will cost around US$15,5 M complete.
First flight of the Legacy is scheduled for next February, with FAA and JAA certification expected in the third quarter of 2001.
Rolls-Royce will power the new aircraft. The launch order, for 25 firm aircraft and 25 options from Swift Aviation Services will be worth up to US$160 million dollars in new engine business.
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