The Embraer Legacy Shuttle is a modified version of the popular 50-passenger commercial ERJ-135 jet redesigned into a 13-passenger private jet which has also become highly popular in its smaller private configuration.
The addition of winglets for increased speed and stability, the addition of several auxiliary fuel tanks for a greatly increased range by increasing fuel capacity from 11,300 pounds to 18,160 pounds.
The newer version EMB-135LR is designed to work best on shorter trips by carrying more passengers as a corporate shuttle for anywhere between 16 and 37 passengers, rather than as a luxurious office in flight.
The Legacy Shuttle is an extremely practical private jet for day-to-day business use while it is highly reliable, has plenty of backup systems for key functions designed for day-in, day-out commercial use.
Its cabin is the second-largest of any heavy jet with a generous volume of 1,410 cubic feet, measuring 6 feet in height, 6.9 feet in width, and 42.4 feet in length. Internal and external baggage compartments total 142 cubic feet to hold 1,415 pounds of baggage while its all accessible in-flight. The external baggage compartment is pressurized and air-conditioned with class C fire protection.
Interior configurations can vary according to passengers seating arrangements (16 to 37), with typical amenities of a galley with an oven, coffee maker and cold food storage. Airshow 400, single-channel satcom, and multiple AC power outlets are the standard interior configuration. In-flight entertainment system utilize a 20-inch flat-panel screen at the front of the cabin with DVD, VCR, and CD players and headphone jacks at the seats. Individual passenger screens are also available with multi-channel satcom, various office equipment, microwave, and other options. Sound insulation at a 54 DBa is available from Flight Environments with an emergency oxygen system and exit. The seats vary according to the interior layout, with the 16-passenger option seats similar to first-class commercial seats. The 19-passenger configuration uses smaller seats, more tightly spaced, and the 37 passenger option is similar to commercial coach seats.
The Legacy Shuttle is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE3007 A1/3 turbofan engines flat-rated to 7,057 pounds of thrust. FADEC makes engine startup almost entirely automatic and regulates the in-flight performance for optimal fuel burn and speed, averaging 313 gallons per hour.
On a sea level runway, the Legacy Shuttle requires 5,600 feet for take off, while at an altitude of 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77 ˚ F, the runway requirement increases to 7,024 feet. Although the high-altitude takeoff length is longer than the average heavy private jet requirement, the Legacy Shuttle can fly 2,049 nautical miles (Seattle to Boston, for example) after such a takeoff. Such distance is flown by climbing directly to the extended cruising altitude of 37,000 feet in 22 minutes, then cruising at 387 ktas (.68 Mach), while high speed cruise of 446 ktas (.77 Mach) can be achieved at 37,000 feet consuming about 10% more fuel than at normal long-range speed. Combined average speed, including climb and descent, is 371 ktas.
The cockpit is typically equipped with the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite including dual FMS with GPS, CVR, TAWS, TCAS, a Primus 800 Doppler Turbulence detection weather radar, single-channel CAT II autopilot, a Smiths Industries Integrated Standby Instrument System, and other communication and situation-awareness equipment. Information is displayed on five flat-panel CRT displays.
