Aviation enthusiasts, get ready to soar! Join us as we dive deep into the world of the Embraer Legacy 600 and its remarkable successor, the Legacy 650. These aircraft define luxury, comfort, and performance in the business jet category. In this video, we’ll take you on a captivating journey through their design, features, and capabilities, setting new standards in business aviation.
Legacy 600: Design and Development
The Legacy 600 took flight in 2000, with its maiden voyage on March 31, 2001. This model represented a significant leap in business aviation, blending range, performance, and comfort. Derived from the Embraer ERJ-135 regional jet, the Legacy 600 debuted in 2002, offering a range of 3,050 nautical miles (5,650 km) with 13 passengers or 3,450 nautical miles (6,390 km) with 8 passengers. Key features include additional fuel tanks, winglets, and a comprehensive drag reduction program, enabling flights up to 41,000 feet. Notably, it was the second Embraer model to feature winglets, showcasing distinct designs for optimal speed.
In 2009, the Legacy 650 emerged, an enhanced version of the Legacy 600. This upgrade pushed performance and comfort boundaries, boasting a non-stop range of 7,220 km (3,900 nautical miles) with four passengers. It carries an additional 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) compared to its predecessor, perfect for extended trips. First flying in 2010, the Legacy 650 redefined luxury travel.
With 289 aircraft produced, the Legacy models highlight Embraer's prowess in the aerospace industry.
Cabin Design and Features
Legacy 600
The Legacy 600’s cabin is a marvel, offering a three-zone layout for work, relaxation, and dining. With a height of 6 feet (1.83 meters) and width of 6 feet 11 inches (2.10 meters), it comfortably seats up to 13 passengers, with 10 being optimal for maximum comfort. Plush leather armchairs convert into flatbeds, and a side-facing sofa creates a homely environment. The aft stateroom provides a private rest area, complemented by a roomy lavatory, with an optional second lavatory forward. Entertainment is state-of-the-art with Wi-Fi, inflight entertainment systems, two 17-inch monitors, DVD players, and fully reclining seats. The cabin's 22 large windows and full LED lighting enhance its spacious feel. A 240-cubic-foot baggage compartment, accessible in-flight, holds 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
Legacy 650 
The Legacy 650’s cabin upgrades materials and amenities while maintaining the three-zone layout. It features the largest-in-class cabin, providing unsurpassed comfort for up to 14 passengers. With a length of 49.8 feet (15.18 meters), width of 6.9 feet (2.10 meters), and height of 6 feet (1.83 meters), it offers ample room for movement. The 650E variant boasts newly styled seats, the largest galley, lavatory, and baggage compartment in its class, with a baggage capacity of 286 cubic feet (8 cubic meters). Cabin altitude never exceeds 6,000 feet, ensuring a quiet environment. The latest full HD inflight entertainment system, with Honeywell’s Ovation Select management system, guarantees a luxurious experience.
Cockpit and Pilot Experience
The cockpits of the Legacy 600 and 650 offer advanced, comfortable, and efficient environments. The Honeywell Primus Elite avionics suite forms the core of the Legacy 600, featuring high-resolution LCD screens displaying essential flight data. Ergonomic pilot seats and a well-organized layout ensure ease of use. Fly-by-wire control and autobrake features enhance precision and safety. Electric sun visors and a quiet cockpit design reduce glare and distractions.
The Legacy 650 includes Honeywell’s SmartLanding and SmartRunway systems, minimizing runway accidents. Dual MFDs display graphic satellite weather and Jeppesen charts, integrating vertical navigation for optimal flight profiles. Enhanced vision systems (EVS) and head-up displays (HUD) ensure safe operations in low-visibility conditions.
Range and Performance Enhancements
Legacy 600
Powered by two Rolls-Royce AW3007A1E engines, each delivering 8,000 lbs of thrust, the Legacy 600 requires just 5,615 feet (1,710 meters) of runway for takeoff. It climbs at 3,000 feet per minute, reaching a maximum cruising altitude of 41,000 feet (12,500 meters). With a top speed of Mach 0.80 (460 knots) and a cruising speed of Mach 0.78 (447 knots), it efficiently burns 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of fuel per hour. Its maximum range is 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 kilometers). The jet boasts a minimum landing distance of 2,685 feet (818 meters) and can carry a maximum payload of 5,200 lbs (2,360 kg).
Legacy 650
The Legacy 650 is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 3007A2 engines, each producing 9,020 lbs of thrust. It reaches a maximum cruise speed of 440 knots and a cruising altitude of 41,000 feet (12.5 kilometers), with an average fuel burn of 300 gallons (1,135 liters) per hour. It has an extended range of 3,900 nautical miles (7,223 kilometers), enabling non-stop flights from London to New York or New Delhi. The 650 requires 5,741 feet (1,750 meters) for takeoff and has a landing distance of 2,346 feet (715 meters). Despite its larger size, it maintains a maximum take-off weight of 53,572 lbs (24,300 kg).
Operating Costs and Market Position
Legacy 600
A brand-new Legacy 600 starts at $26 million, with charter rates between $8,000 and $12,000 per hour. Annual fixed costs range from $800,000 to $1.2 million, with average hourly operating costs between $4,000 and $6,000.
Legacy 650
The Legacy 650 also starts at $26 million. Pre-owned models cost around $15 million, while a used Legacy 650E with enhancements is about $20 million. Annual fixed costs are approximately $650,000, with hourly variable costs at $3,270.
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Comparative Analysis
In the heavy business jet sector, the Legacy 600 and 650 compete with:
- Bombardier Challenger 650
- Gulfstream G280
- Dassault Falcon 2000S
- Cessna Citation Longitude
The Legacy models are priced lower than the Challenger 650 and Falcon 2000S, similar to the Citation Longitude and Gulfstream G280. The Legacy 650 has a longer range than the Falcon 2000S, G280, and Citation Longitude but is slightly shorter than the Challenger 650. In terms of payload, the Challenger 650 outperforms the Legacy models, though the Legacy 650 can carry more than the Falcon 2000S, G280, and Citation Longitude. While the Legacy 650 requires a longer takeoff distance, it excels in landing distance.
Conclusion
The Embraer Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 epitomize the pinnacle of business aviation, combining luxury, comfort, and superior performance. With advanced technology, spacious cabins, and impressive range, these aircraft are perfect for both business and leisure travel. Explore the features and capabilities of these remarkable jets with Aviapages. Whether for personal use or charter, the Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 offer exceptional value and a luxurious flying experience.
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