Embraer rolled out its newest executive jet, the midsize Legacy 500, on December 23, from the production hangar at the São José dos Campos headquarters, in Brazil. This milestone rollout will allow development and test engineers to perform important ground tests, prior to the aircraft's first flight, which is scheduled for the third quarter of 2012.

"This is a significant day for the Legacy 500 program," said Maurício Almeida, Vice President, Programs - Embraer Executive Jets. "Releasing the aircraft from production to the test team will allow us to gather vital information during ground tests, which will be used to shorten the flight test campaign."

Following the rollout, the aircraft will undergo initial systems evaluations leading to the first engine run, and then to the ground vibration tests (GVT), and the full regimen of ground tests. This aircraft is the first of three prototypes that will be used in development, ground, flight and certification testing.

There are more than 800 Embraer engineers supporting these technical efforts. The aircraft will be certified by ANAC (Brazil), FAA (USA), EASA (Europe), and other aviation authorities in key markets throughout the world.

The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, each one producing 6,540 pounds of thrust at takeoff. They will allow the aircraft to fly at a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82, and to have a range of 5,600 kilometers (3,000 nautical miles) with four passengers. The jet features the advanced Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion® Integrated Flight Deck, as well as a modern full fly-by-wire system with complete flight envelope protection.

The Legacy 500 can accommodate up to 12 passengers in a stand-up cabin with 6-foot (1.82-meter) ceiling and a flat floor. Cabin design and amenities include four berthable (fully flat) seating pairs, a low 6,000-foot cabin altitude, Honeywell's Ovation® Select Cabin Management System, and internal and external baggage compartments. Premium seats are also available with leg rest, headrest with flexible wings, electrically actuated lumbar support, and massage and heating systems, which are unique to its category.

Contributed by Embraer