Embraer Legacy 450

Overview & History

The Legacy 450, a mid-size business jet developed by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, began in the early 2000s to combine performance with comfort.

Its first flight took place on December 28, 2013, and it received certification from Brazil’s ANAC on August 11, 2015, followed by FAA and EASA certifications.

Deliveries started on December 22, 2015, with the first aircraft delivered to LMG, LLC.

A notable entry in the corporate jet market, the Legacy 450 stands out with its transcontinental range, stand-up cabin, and luxurious aircraft cabins designed for discerning travelers.

Typical passengers benefit from its balance of performance and comfort, making it an ideal choice for business and leisure alike.

Embraer replaced the 450 and 500 models with the Praetor 500 and 600 in 2018, offering upgrades such as increased fuel cost efficiency and extended range.

Existing Legacy 450 and 500 models can be retrofitted to match many features of these capable aircraft.

With its flat-floor cabin, advanced flight controls, and honeywell ovation cabin management system, the Legacy 450 delivers greater levels of comfort in private aviation.

Its innovative design and attention to detail firmly position it in the mid-size jets category.

 

 

Embraer Legacy 450 Performance

The Embraer Legacy 450, a mid-size business jet, is powered by two Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines, delivering a combined thrust output of 13,080 lbf.

These engines provide a max cruising speed of 462 knots and a long-range cruise speed of 436 knots, with optimal conditions yielding a maximum range of 2,904 nautical miles.

The maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet ensures smoother flights above commercial air traffic and weather.

It comfortably handles trips like New York to Los Angeles non-stop, though transatlantic routes such as London to New York remain just out of reach.

The Legacy 450 boasts impressive short runway performance, requiring only 3,907 feet for takeoff and 2,090 feet for landing, making it versatile for varied operating environments.

These capabilities are influenced by numerous factors such as weather, maximum weights, and runway length.

With a stand-up cabin height of 6 feet, seating up to nine passengers, and cabin zones optimized for comfort, the jet caters to typical passengers seeking luxury and performance.

Features like the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics and fuel-efficient engines, consuming approximately 285 gallons per hour, make it a capable aircraft for both business and leisure.

The Legacy 450 integrates advanced technologies like full fly-by-wire technology, ensuring precise flight controls, and offers options for retrofit upgrades to match newer Praetor models.

Its balance of range, cost efficiency, and luxury solidifies its place in the corporate jet market.

 

 

Interior and Cabin of the Legacy 450

The Embraer Legacy 450 private jet blends performance with luxury, offering a flat-floor cabin and a spacious cross section identical to the larger Legacy 500.

Measuring 24 feet in length, 6.8 feet in width, and 6 feet in height, the stand-up cabin accommodates up to nine passengers, with a typical configuration for seven.

Passengers benefit from center club seats that are fully reclining, surrounded by large windows for scenic views.

The baggage hold of 150 cubic feet is ideal for luggage and additional gear, making the jet versatile for business trips or vacations.

The Honeywell Ovation cabin management system, integrated with a unique upper tech touchscreen panel, allows passengers to control cabin settings and monitor flight progress seamlessly.

Power outlets and state-of-the-art noise-reduction technologies enhance the experience, while a cabin zones design enables personalized comfort.

The cabin pressurization system maintains a maximum cabin altitude of 5,800 feet, ensuring reduced travel fatigue.

Passengers arrive refreshed, whether on short or long-haul routes.

The aircraft’s blend of cutting-edge technology and premium finishes makes it a standout in the mid-light business jet category.

 

 

Flight Deck & Technology of the Legacy 450

The Embraer Legacy 450 features a cutting-edge flight controls system built around full fly-by-wire technology and the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.

This advanced system integrates synthetic vision system (SVGS), enabling autopilot-flown instrument approaches down to 150 feet for enhanced safety and precision.

The cockpit design follows Embraer’s dark, quiet, and uncluttered philosophy, reducing pilot fatigue and workload.

The innovative side-stick control allows for intuitive operation, blending performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.

A head-up display (HUD) and MultiScan Weather Radar further enhance situational awareness, providing real-time data and detecting weather conditions up to 320 NM away.

This ensures smoother, safer flights and minimizes turbulence.

The Legacy 450’s full integration of advanced avionics ensures pilots have unmatched control and visibility, solidifying its place as a capable aircraft in the corporate jet market.

 

 

Charter Cost of the Legacy 450

The Embraer Legacy 450 has an estimated hourly rate of $3,800 for charters in North America.

However, charter rates can vary significantly due to numerous factors, including trip length, stay duration, fuel cost, passenger count, and seasonal demand.

With a range of 2,900 nautical miles and seating for up to nine passengers, the Legacy 450 is a favorite for private flight and commercial aircraft use.

Its combination of performance, comfort, and efficiency makes it ideal for both short trips and cross-country flights.

Globally, 59 Legacy 450 jets are in operation, many of which are utilized by FlexJet.

The aircraft’s flat-floor cabin, advanced technology, and ability to access airports like London City enhance its appeal for business travelers and corporate jet market users.

 

 

Purchase Price and Operating Costs

A brand-new Embraer Legacy 450 was priced at $15.25 million, while a pre-owned average price today is around $11.5 million.

Ownership costs go beyond the purchase price. Annual budgets for 200 flight hours approximate $660,000, covering liability insurance, hangar fees, maintenance, and fuel.

The total variable costs, including the fuel cost of $2,790 per hour, highlight the need for strategic financial planning.

 

 

Conclusion

The Legacy 450 private jet excels in the mid-size business jet category. Its large cabin, innovative systems, and cost-effective performance ensure it remains a standout in the private aviation market.

Loved for its power, comfort, and versatility, the Legacy 450 is a smart investment in luxury air travel.

Featured Image: James from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons