Embraer Executive Jets has redesigned the Legacy 450 and 500 fly-by-wire business jets, adding two models—the Praetor 500 and 600—that improve performance to a significant degree.
It features an excellent combination of technology, performance, and convenience to passengers with its exceptional range and speed that reaches destinations in a fastest, comfortable way.
The Praetor 500 and 600, presented on display, with 3,250 nmi and 3,900 nmi of range. The Praetor 500 received its Brazilian type certificate in August, achieving a 3,340 nautical miles (6,186 km) range, 466 kn (863 km/h) high-speed cruise, a takeoff within 4,222 ft (1,287 m) and a landing within 2,086 ft (636 m). This was followed by the EASA and FAA approval by the end of September. On 23 December, the first was delivered to fractional operator Flexjet, two months after signing for 64 jets, including Praetor 500/600s and light Phenom 300Es. The $17 million Praetor 500 boosts the fuel capacity of the Legacy 450 from 12,108 to 13,058 lb to match the Legacy 500. The $21 million Praetor 600 is based on the Legacy 500 with two tanks on the fuselage belly for 2,928 lb, more fuel for a 15,986 lb) capacity, and more powerful 7,528 lbf HTF7500E engines.
The Praetor 500 and 600 also introduce a newly designed “Bossa Nova” interior from Embraer design chief Jay Beever. The idea was to match the interior styling with the jets’ new longer-range, “a stylish, sophisticated, and well-crafted interior,” Beever said. Features include a reinvented diamond stitching on the seats, which mimics the design of the walkways on the beachfront promenade in Rio de Janeiro; carbon-fiber finish that wraps around corners without showing the structure of the material; and a philosophy of technology disappearing when it isn’t needed. This is embodied in the upper tech panel, which displays flight information and provides cabin-management-system (CMS) features.
Both Praetor models are outfitted with the very latest Viasat Ka-band Internet system, with download speeds as fast as 16 mb/s, performance that is on par with home and office broadband. This throughput means that the Praetor can truly function as an “office in the sky,” capable of Internet-based video conferencing. When it is time for entertainment, passengers can easily stream their favorite content from online services.
“The Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 are the disruptive aircraft for the entrepreneur, for the pioneer, for the innovator,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Praetors are aircraft certainly in keeping with their name, leading the way in redefining the characteristics of what a midsize and super- midsize aircraft deliver to the market. The introduction of these aircraft support our vision of fascinating our customers and providing them with superior value and the best experience in the industry.”
