Introduction
Definition of Legacy 600 Jet
The Legacy 600 is a business jet built by Embraer of Brazil. It is based on the ERJ-135, a member of Embraer's ERJ family of regional jets. Embraer kept the airline fuselage and turned it into a private cabin, then added fuel tanks and winglets for range. The result is a roomy business jet flown by two pilots.
History of Embraer's Legacy 600 Jet
Embraer launched the aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow in 2000 under the name "Legacy 2000". The second prototype, the first with the production fuel tanks, engines and avionics, flew on March 31, 2001. The name Legacy 600 was adopted after 2005.
In 2009 Embraer announced the Legacy 650, a longer-range version that the FAA certified in February 2011. The Legacy 600 remains in service with owners and charter operators.
When a helicopter transfer with BLADE makes more sense than a Legacy 600 charter
A Legacy 600 makes sense when the trip is long or the group is large. For short hops, it often does not. In New York, BLADE offers flights between Manhattan and JFK or Newark in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. If your real problem is getting to the airport, a helicopter transfer can solve it without chartering a whole jet.
Design and Engineering
Design Philosophy
The Legacy 600 started as a regional airliner and was adapted for private use. That is why the cabin is long and the baggage space is generous.
Engineering Features of the Legacy 600 Jet
To turn the ERJ-135 into a long-range jet, Embraer added fuel tanks in the tail behind the baggage compartment and forward of the wing, fitted winglets and ran a drag reduction program. It is certified to 41,000 feet, compared with 37,000 feet for the airline version.
Power comes from two Rolls-Royce AE 3007A1E turbofans. The flight deck uses a Honeywell Primus Elite avionics suite.
Performance and Specifications
Technical Specifications and Innovations
- Passengers: 13 or 14
- Crew: two pilots
- Length: 86 ft 5 in
- Wingspan: 69 ft 5 in
- Height: 21 ft 9 in
- Baggage capacity: 286 cu ft
- Maximum takeoff weight: 49,604 lb
- Maximum fuel: 18,170 lb
- Maximum payload: 5,193 lb
- Ceiling: 41,000 ft
- Cruise: Mach 0.78 at 41,000 ft
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.80 at 41,000 ft
- Range: about 3,050 nm with 13 passengers, or 3,450 nm with 8 passengers
- Takeoff distance: 5,614 ft (maximum weight, sea level, ISA)
- Landing distance: 2,685 ft (typical landing weight, sea level, ISA)
What missions is the Legacy 600 best suited for
The Legacy 600 suits groups that want room and bags more than top speed. Think of a family trip with luggage, a sports team, or a company sending a group to the same meeting. With eight passengers it can cover longer nonstop legs. With a full cabin, plan for less range.
Legacy 600 vs helicopter transfers: different tools for different travel goals
A jet covers distance. A helicopter saves time at the ends of the trip. BLADE scheduled airport service links Manhattan with JFK and Newark, and BLADE can arrange charters by helicopter, turboprop or jet for other routes. Choose the aircraft for the leg you are flying.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
Fuel burn depends on the load, the altitude, the speed and the weather. A large-cabin jet burns more per hour than a midsize one, so the cost per passenger improves when the cabin is full. Ask the operator for a trip estimate on your route.
Comfort and Amenities
Cabin Layout Design
The cabin is divided into three partitioned sections, so a group can spread out or split into quieter areas. Layouts vary by aircraft, so check the seat map with the operator.
Passenger Comfort Features
Space is the main comfort. The 286 cubic feet of baggage room leaves space for more than carry-on bags. Tell the operator about golf bags, skis or oversized items in advance. Ask the operator about the galley, the lavatory, Wi-Fi and catering for your specific aircraft.
Entertainment and Connectivity
Entertainment and Wi-Fi systems are fitted by each owner, so they differ from one Legacy 600 to the next. If you need to work in flight, confirm the connectivity before you book.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory Compliance
On a charter, the operator is responsible for the aircraft, the crew and compliance with FAA rules. BLADE works as a charter broker: flights are operated by DOT/FAA licensed carriers. Ask who operates your flight and under which certificate.
Competitive Landscape
Comparison with other Luxury Jet Brands
The Legacy 600 competes in the heavy jet category with other large-cabin business jets. It has nearly the opposite design history from the Bombardier Challenger. The Legacy came from a regional airliner, while Bombardier's regional jet came from the Challenger business jet.
Legacy 600 Jet's Competitive Edge
Its strengths are cabin length, the three-zone layout and baggage space. Its trade-off is speed: its maximum of Mach 0.80 is below the Mach 0.85 high-speed cruise of a large-cabin jet such as the Gulfstream G550.
Pricing and Availability
Buying vs chartering a Legacy 600: how to decide
Buying makes sense for people who fly many hours a year and want the same aircraft every time. Charter makes sense for occasional trips. You pay for the flights you take, and the operator handles crew and maintenance.
Availability in the Market
Deliveries began in 2002 and had tapered off to a single aircraft by 2020, so the Legacy 600s on the market are pre-owned. Have any aircraft inspected and review its maintenance records before you buy.
Choosing the right aircraft based on distance, timing, and passenger needs
Start with three questions: how far, how many people and how much luggage. A Legacy 600 fits a large group with bags on a long leg. A smaller jet fits two or three people. A helicopter fits a short trip to the airport. BLADE can help you compare the options for your route.
FAQs about What Is An Legacy 600 Jet?
What is a Legacy 600 jet?
It is a large business jet built by Embraer, based on the ERJ-135 regional jet. It seats 13 or 14 passengers.
What are the dimensions of a Legacy 600 jet?
It is 86 feet 5 inches long, with a wingspan of 69 feet 5 inches and a height of 21 feet 9 inches.
How fast can a Legacy 600 jet fly?
Its maximum speed is Mach 0.80 at 41,000 feet. Typical cruise is Mach 0.78.
What amenities are available on a Legacy 600 jet?
The cabin has three sections and a large baggage hold. Galley, Wi-Fi and entertainment vary by aircraft, so confirm them with the operator.
How much does a Legacy 600 jet cost?
Prices depend on the year, the hours and the condition of the aircraft. For charter, the price depends on the route, the dates and the operator, so request a quote for your trip.
Who typically uses a Legacy 600 jet?
Groups that value space: families with luggage, teams and companies flying several people together.