Embraer Legacy 500 breaks speed records

Flying transoceanic, the Embraer Legacy 500 has set two speed records, the Brazilian manufacturer announced on 18 November.

The midsize jet flew from Burbank, California to Kahului, Maui with five passengers in 6h. The segment – one of the world’s longest between two points over water – covered 2,165nm (4,010km) with an average ground speed of 680km/h (367kt).

The easterly return flight covered 2,470nm in 5h 30min at an average ground speed of 846km/h.

Embraer Executive Jets has now set a total of six speed records this year, as confirmed by the US National Aeronautic Association and France’s Federation Aeronautique Internationale.

The Legacy 500 has a a maximum range of 3,125nm.

The longest recorded operational flight by a Legacy 500 set a speed record while slightly exceeding the specified range maximum. The flight from Düsseldorf, Germany to Dubai, UAE covered 3,268nm in 7h 3min, benefiting from favourable tail winds.

Embraer also announced today the Legacy 500 is approved to operate steep approaches into London City airport.