The introduction of the Embraer Legacy 600 in 2000 marked Embraer's entrance into the business jet market. A derivative of the Embraer ERJ 135, the Legacy 600 was unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow and first flew in 2001 before it entered into service in 2002.

Originally designated as the "Legacy 2000," the jet could carry 13 passengers up to 3,050 nautical miles (NM) or eight passengers up to 3,450 NM. This aircraft included additional fuel tanks, winglets, and drag-reduction measures to enhance its range and performance, surpassing its airliner counterpart's service ceiling with the ability to soar to 41,000 feet.

Photo: BriYYZ via Flickr

Embraer marketed the jet as an alternative to the likes of the Gulfstream G200, Dassault Falcon Jet 2000EX, and Bombardier Challenger 300. Although the company based the plane on its ERJ 135, there was still a learning curve, especially with its earliest examples. In addition to cabin noise difficulties, several airworthiness directives had to be issued for varying concerns, including seat safety problems and poor drainage for leaking fuel.

Even so, most issues were quickly resolved, and the jet went on to have a successful production life, with around 300 built.

Legacy 650

Building upon the Legacy 600, Embraer introduced the Legacy 650 in 2009. This extended-range variant offered 500 NM of additional range as well as a reimagined interior. This included the addition of more fuel capacity, new Rolls-Royce AE 3007A2 engines, and the introduction of a lowered aisle and increased headroom.

Photo: Mark Piacentini via Flickr

Significantly, Embraer said it focused on reducing cabin noise, which, by most accounts, made the Legacy 650 much quieter than its predecessor. It obtained certification in 2011.

Praetor 500/600

The Legacy 600 also helped the aircraft manufacturer establish a dedicated business jet brand, Embraer Executive Jets. Under this division, Embraer developed the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500, which later served as the basis for the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600, respectively.

Photo: James via Flickr

In 2018, Embraer unveiled its new Praetor 500 and 600 models, representing a new generation of Embraer business jets. The Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 boast ranges of 3,250 and 3,900 nautical miles, respectively, and incorporate synthetic vision guidance and systems for CAT I approaches. Embraer claims the Praetor 600 is the world's most technologically advanced super-midsize business jet.

By August 2019, the Praetor 500 had secured its Brazilian type certificate, and European and American certifications quickly followed.

About Embraer Executive Jets

Officially created as a formal division of Embraer in 2002, only two years after launching the Legacy 600 program, Embraer Executive Jets has since delivered more than 1,000 business jets. In addition to the Legacy 600 and 650, the division formerly produced other jets like the Legacy 450 and 500, as well as the Lineage 1000. Today, its lineup includes the Phenom 100EV, Phenom 300E, Praetor 500, and Praetor 600.

What other elements of the Legacy 600 left a mark on the future of Embraer Executive Jets? What impacts did the jet make on the broader business jet world? Let us know in the comments below.

Sources: Embraer, Embraer, FlightGlobal, Jetcraft, GAMA, Business Jet Traveler, Flying Magazine