Embraer Legacy 450

Embraer Legacy 450

Embraer’s new corporate jet, the Legacy 450, entered into service in 2016. First of the Brazilian manufacturer’s aircraft to have a fly-by-wire system and the first in the category of Super Midsize Jets. This innovation will digitalise many of the aircraft’s operations, reducing the manual workload of the pilots and increasing both the aircraft’s performance and reliability.

The Legacy 450 is the highest-performing super midsize jet on the market, offering a longer range than both its Cessna and Bombardier rivals, as well as better fuel efficiency. In addition to its impressive operational capacity, this jet will also feature the largest cabin of its class, seating up to 8 passengers in optimum comfort, while also providing over 4 cubic metres of luggage storage space, unheard of in a jet of this category. The Legacy 450 has delivered Embraer’s promises, providing an exceptional service on short- and medium-haul flights.

Super Midsize Jet

super midsize jet
Embraer Legacy 450
Technical specifications
SpecificationValue
ManufacturerEmbraer
CategorySuper Midsize Jet
Range*
5378 km
2904 NM
Cruise speed
856 km/h
462 kts
Seats**7-8
Suitcases6

* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration

The Legacy 450 emerged from Embraer's strategy to create a business jet positioned between the $7 million Phenom 300 and the $26 million Legacy 600. Announced alongside the Legacy 500 at the 2007 NBAA convention, the 450 represented the smaller of two mid-size concepts.

The aircraft featured groundbreaking technology for its category, including a flat-floor stand-up cabin and fly-by-wire flight controls - the first in its size class to offer these advanced features. Development followed the Legacy 500, with the 450's schedule slipping approximately one year behind.

The Legacy 450 made its first flight on December 28, 2013, beginning an extensive certification programme. The aircraft received certification on August 11, 2015, validating its advanced systems and performance capabilities.

Embraer later introduced the enhanced Praetor 500 variant in October 2018, offering increased range through additional fuel capacity. Previous Legacy 450 operators could upgrade to Praetor 500 configuration for $500,000, demonstrating Embraer's commitment to supporting existing customers.

General information

Model nameLegacy 450
ManufacturerEmbraer
Aircraft categorysuper midsize jet
ICAO DesignatorE545
Start/End of Production2015 - 2020
Number of pilot(s)2

Performances

Range (with IFR reserves)2904 NM (5378 km)
Ferry range3100 NM (5741 km)
Cruise speed462 kts (856 km/h)
Max Operating Speed – VMO320 KIAS
Max Mach Operating Speed - MMOMach 0.83
Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC438 KTAS
Approach Speed122 kts
Takeoff Distance1219 m
Average Landing Distance637 m
Rate of Climb3866 ft/min
Service Ceiling45000 ft
Thrust6540 lbf

Aircraft technology

Engine typeTurbofan
Engine(s)2 x Honeywell HTF7500E
AvionicsRockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion

Dimensions and capacity

Aircraft length19.69 m
Aircraft height6.43 m
Wing span21.17 m
Cabin height1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Cabin length7.32 m (24.0 ft)
Cabin width2.08 m (6.83 ft)
Baggage volume4.2 m3
Seats (standard config)7-8
Seats (max)9
Suitcases6
Carry-on luggage2
Maximum payload1350 kg
Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW16200 kg
Maximum Landing Weight - MLW14750 kg

Does the Legacy 450 have more range than the Citation Latitude?

Yes, the Legacy 450 offers significantly more range than the Citation Latitude. The Legacy 450 can fly 5,378 km (2,904 nautical miles) compared to the Citation Latitude's 4,960 km (2,678 nautical miles), providing an additional 418 km of range capability. This means the Legacy 450 can reach destinations that would require a fuel stop for the Citation Latitude, such as certain transatlantic routes. However, the Citation Latitude is slightly more affordable and has achieved higher market penetration, whilst the Legacy 450 also offers a modest speed advantage at 856 km/h versus the Latitude's 826 km/h.

How many passengers can the Legacy 450 accommodate?

The Legacy 450 can accommodate up to 9 passengers in maximum density configuration, though it typically seats 6 to 7 passengers in standard executive layout. The aircraft features a spacious flat-floor cabin measuring 7.32 metres in length, 2.08 metres in width, and 1.83 metres in height, providing generous headroom and comfort. This cabin volume gives passengers the luxury of a stand-up environment, which is exceptional for an aircraft in this category, making longer flights considerably more comfortable.

What is the range of the Legacy 450, and which city pairs can it connect nonstop?

The Legacy 450 offers an NBAA IFR range of 5,378 km (2,904 nautical miles), providing excellent transcontinental capability. This range allows for nonstop flights such as London to Dubai, Paris to São Paulo, or New York to London with appropriate payload considerations. The aircraft's range makes it particularly well-suited for intercontinental business travel, offering the flexibility to reach most destinations within Europe, North America, or South America without refuelling stops.

What makes the Legacy 450's fly-by-wire system significant for its category?

The Legacy 450 was the first super midsize jet to feature fly-by-wire flight controls, representing a significant technological advancement when it entered service in 2015. This system digitises many aircraft operations, reducing pilot workload whilst enhancing both performance and reliability. The fly-by-wire technology provides flight envelope protection, improved fuel efficiency, and smoother flight characteristics compared to conventional control systems. This innovation positioned the Legacy 450 as a technology leader in its category, offering capabilities typically found in larger, more expensive aircraft categories.

What is the cruising speed of the Legacy 450?

The Embraer Legacy 450 cruises at 856 km/h (462 knots), making it one of the faster aircraft in the super midsize jet category. This speed capability allows the Legacy 450 to complete typical European routes such as London to Rome in under 2 hours, or transcontinental flights like New York to Los Angeles efficiently. The aircraft's performance stems from its advanced fly-by-wire flight control system, which was the first of its kind in the super midsize jet category when introduced.

Range Map