Overview of the Legacy 650
The Legacy 650 is a commercial aircraft manufactured by Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company. It is a mid-range jet with a primary purpose of transporting passengers and cargo. The first flight of the Legacy 650 took place on August 21, 2008, and it received its type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in December 2010.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of the Legacy 650 are as follows:
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Dimensions:
- Length: 24.58 meters (80 feet 7 inches)
- Wingspan: 20.96 meters (68 feet 9 inches)
- Height: 6.48 meters (21 feet 3 inches)
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Weight:
- Empty weight: 15,000 kilograms (33,069 pounds)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 23,500 kilograms (51,808 pounds)
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Engines:
- Type: Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan
- Thrust: 7,600 pound-force per engine
- Fuel efficiency: 12.5 miles per gallon (2.4 kilometers per liter)
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Performance:
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.82 (647 mph or 1,041 km/h)
- Range: Up to 3,900 nautical miles (7,222 kilometers)
- Cruising altitude: 37,000 feet (11,275 meters)
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Capacity:
- Passengers: Up to 13 passengers
- Cargo: Up to 2.5 tons (2,268 kilograms)
- Crew: Two pilots
Design and Features
The Legacy 650 features a modern design with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and reliability. Some of its notable features include:
- Airshow-inspired winglets to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency
- A high-aspect-ratio wing design for improved aerodynamics
- Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system for enhanced navigation and communication
- Synthetic vision system (SVS) for enhanced situational awareness
- Lavish interior cabin with comfortable seating, ample legroom, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems
History and Development
The Legacy 650 is the result of a significant investment in research and development by Embraer. Key milestones in its history include:
- First flight: August 21, 2008
- Certification: December 2010 from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
- Entry into service: January 2011 with NetJets Europe
Operational Use
The Legacy 650 is used by various airlines and organizations around the world. Some notable operators include:
- Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ)
- NetJets Europe
- BBA Aviation (formerly TAG Aviation)
Interesting Facts
Here are a few interesting facts about the Legacy 650:
- The Legacy 650 has a maximum takeoff weight of over 23,500 kilograms (51,808 pounds), making it one of the heaviest business jets in its class.
- The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines, which provide a combined thrust of 15,200 pound-force.
- The Legacy 650 has a range of over 3,900 nautical miles (7,222 kilometers), making it suitable for transcontinental flights and international travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Legacy 650 unique?
The Legacy 650 stands out from other business jets in its class due to its modern design, efficient engines, and spacious cabin. It also features advanced avionics systems, including a synthetic vision system (SVS) for enhanced situational awareness.
How much does the Legacy 650 cost?
The cost of a Legacy 650 can vary depending on factors such as configuration, customization, and maintenance history. As a rough estimate, a new Legacy 650 can cost around $18-20 million.
What is the range of the Legacy 650?
The Legacy 650 has a range of over 3,900 nautical miles (7,222 kilometers), making it suitable for transcontinental flights and international travel. This range is comparable to other business jets in its class, such as the Cessna Citation Hemisphere.
Which airlines operate the Legacy 650?
The Legacy 650 is operated by various airlines and organizations around the world, including Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), NetJets Europe, and BBA Aviation (formerly TAG Aviation).
Is the Legacy 650 still in production?
No, the Legacy 650 is no longer in production. However, Embraer continues to support existing Legacy 650 operators with maintenance and upgrades. The company has also introduced newer models, such as the Legacy 500 and Legacy 450, which offer improved performance and features.