Program Profile: Embraer Legacy 450/500

The Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 are business jets produced by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer that are based on the EMB-545 and EMB-550 types, respectively. These airframes are clean-sheet designs with the Legacy 450 noted as being in the mid-light category of business jets and the Legacy 500 in the midsize category. The Legacy 500 made its first flight on Nov. 27, 2012, while the Legacy 450 first flew 13 months later on Dec. 28, 2013. 

Because the Legacy 450 and 500 are based on different types, a number of differences exist between them, including with respect to baggage storage volume and passenger capacity. However, despite those differences, each airframe’s baggage compartment is promoted as being the largest in its category.

While differences exist in the baggage and passenger capacity of these Legacy airframes, both are marketed as having stand-up cabins that are 6 ft. tall and which have a flat floor. The two pilots who are required for both types operate the airplanes using Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system, which is promoted by Embraer for the size of its displays as well as the presence of “full fly-by-wire technology” and side-stick controls.

Mission and Performance

Operating limitations of the EMB-545 and EMB-550 types include a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 ft. and a maximum operating limit speed (MMO) of 0.83 Mach. The 2,904-nm and 3,125-nm respective ranges of the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 assume a “baseline aircraft” operating at the long-range cruise speed, with National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) instrument flight rules (IFR) reserves and a 200-nm alternate while carrying four passengers.

Variants

While both the Legacy 450 and 500 are powered by the same engine— Honeywell’s HTF7500E, which is designated the AS907-3-1E—Embraer promotes the engines that power the former airframe as capable of producing 6,540 lbf. of thrust, a level that is increased to 7,036 lbf. on the engines of the latter airframe.

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