Le Bourget, France Embraer completes first Praetor 500 conversion in Europe |
Embraer has completed the first European conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500 for an undisclosed customer. The conversion was performed at the Embraer Executive Jets Service Center at Le Bourget International Airport, Paris.
In order to generate the impressive range improvements - from a Legacy 450 (2,900 nm) to a Praetor 500 (3,340 nm) - the level-sensing wiring in the fuel tanks was replaced, the over-wing gravity fueling 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 acclaimed Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.
Most noticeably, the iconic swept winglets of the Praetor were installed, and the placards and logos were replaced to officially convert the Legacy 450 into a Praetor 500. With the Praetor 500 comes an unparalleled blend of technology, comfort, and performance. In terms of technology, the Praetor 500 features the industry-first E2VS - a head-up display that combines synthetic and enhanced vision. Plus, it’s the only midsize business jet with full fly-by-wire flight controls and turbulence reduction capability.
“These conversions are only made possible by the expertise of structures and avionics specialists, mechanics, logistics teams, and engineers from Embraer operations around the globe,” said Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Service & Support. “Per Embraer’s strategy for the future, we are consistently investing in and expanding our portfolio, focused on offering our customers the industry’s best services and support.”
Conversions are currently being performed at Embraer Owned Service Centers at Le Bourget; Windsor Locks, Connecticut; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sorocaba, Brazil. To date, Embraer has converted 11 Legacy 450s into Praetor 500s.
BlueSky Business Aviation News | 7th January 2021 | Issue #587