Embraer Executive Jets’ service centre at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, has completed the first conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500, for an undisclosed customer.
The process boosts range from 2,900 nautical miles (5,371km) to 3,340 nautical miles (6,186km) with four passengers and NBAA IFR reserves. To achieve this, the level-sensing wiring in the fuel tanks was replaced, the over-wing gravity fuelling ports were moved, the fuel-measurement system was relocated, and the wing ribs were reinforced to hold additional weight. These adjustments entailed updates to the flight control systems, including a new avionics load for the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck. Most noticeably, the swept winglets of the Praetor were installed, and the placards and logos were replaced to officially complete the transformation. The conversion was made possible by the expertise of structures and avionics specialists, A&P mechanics, logistics teams and engineers from Embraer operations around the globe.
The Praetor 500 features the E2VS head-up display, combining synthetic and enhanced vision. The jet also has full fly-by-wire flight controls and turbulence reduction capability. The 6ft (1.8m)-tall, flat-floor cabin features stone flooring, a wet galley and a vacuum lavatory.
The conversion process can also be performed at Embraer-owned service centres at Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Sorocaba in Brazil, and Le Bourget in Paris, France. “Embraer-owned service centres are well prepared with parts kits and skilled labour and are ready to bring the most disruptive and technologically advanced mid-size business jet ever made, the Praetor 500, to our existing Legacy 450 customers, with the company’s primary vision of delivering the ultimate customer experience,” said Johann Bordais, president and CEO of Embraer Service & Support. “This conversion makes a great aircraft even more industry leading.”
