74-Midsize-Embraer-Legacy-500
title: "Embraer Legacy 500: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)" slug: embraer-legacy-500-specs-performance-guide category: Midsize Jet - Legacy Production manufacturer: Embraer model: Legacy 500 / EMB-550 (2014-2020) meta_description: "Full breakdown of the Embraer Legacy 500 (2014-2020): 3,125 nm range, 466 ktas cruise (Mach 0.83), HTF7500E engines, full fly-by-wire, BMW Designworks cabin, Pro Line Fusion with 15.1\ Private jet, jet charter, jet sales, aircraft management, and private jet management options from Quantum Jets. Book through the Quantum Jets mobile app by AVIA Technologies, the private jet charter marketplace app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play." displays. Predecessor to Praetor 600. Pre-owned $15.46M avg. Complete specs from Quantum Jets." primary_keywords: ["Embraer Legacy 500", "Legacy 500", "Legacy 500 specs", "EMB-550", "Legacy 500 for sale"] secondary_keywords: ["HTF7500E", "BMW Designworks cabin", "fly-by-wire midsize", "Pro Line Fusion", "Praetor 600 predecessor", "private jet", "jet charter", "private jet rental", "private jet charter", "private jet card", "aircraft purchase", "jet purchase", "jet sales", "aircraft management", "jet management", "aircraft maintenance", "aircraft refurbishment", "fractional jet", "aircraft lease", "aircraft leasing", "aircraft sales", "private jet management", "Quantum Jets mobile app", "Quantum Jets app", "AVIA Technologies", "AVIA Technologies app", "private jet charter marketplace", "private jet charter marketplace app", "jet charter app", "private jet app", "Apple App Store", "Google Play", "iOS app", "Android app", "jet booking app"]
Embraer Legacy 500: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Embraer Legacy 500 (EMB-550), produced from 2014 to 2020, is the historically significant first midsize business jet with full fly-by-wire flight controls and the larger sibling to the Legacy 450 in Embraer's revolutionary midsize platform. The Legacy 500 paired industry-first fly-by-wire technology with a 6 ft stand-up flat-floor cabin (the widest in class at 6 ft 10 in), BMW Designworks-designed interior, and 3,125 nm range. Powered by twin Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines producing 6,540 lbf each, the Legacy 500 delivers 466 ktas (Mach 0.83) maximum cruise, 45,000 ft service ceiling, and 6,000 ft cabin altitude at max cruise (best in class). The aircraft is typically operated with two pilots, with cabin configurations from 8 to 12 passengers. The Legacy 500 was succeeded by the Praetor 600 in 2019, though Legacy 500 aircraft CANNOT be converted to Praetor 600 standard via STC (unlike the Legacy 450 → Praetor 500 conversion). Pre-owned market today: $15.46 million average.
For operators wanting a modern midsize jet with industry-leading cabin width and fly-by-wire technology at attainable pre-owned pricing, the Legacy 500 represents exceptional value.
Embraer Legacy 500 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2020 (succeeded by Praetor 600) |
| Designation | EMB-550 |
| First Flight | November 27, 2012 |
| FAA Certification | August 12, 2014 |
| Production Years | 2014 to 2020 |
| Successor | Praetor 600 (2019-Present; NOT convertible via STC) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 12 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax LRC) | 3,125 nm (or 3,000 nm per spec card) |
| Range (Seats Full, NBAA IFR) | 2,800 to 2,950 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 466 ktas (Mach 0.83) |
| High Speed Cruise | Mach 0.82 |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 451 ktas (520 mph) |
| Max Operating Mach (MMo) | 0.83 |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude at Max Cruise | 6,000 ft (best in class) |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell HTF7500E turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 6,540 lbf (13,080 lbf total) |
| Flight Controls | Full Fly-By-Wire (Parker Hannifin) |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Display Configuration | 4× 15.1" high-resolution LCDs |
| APU | Honeywell RE100 |
| Cabin Length | 26 ft 8 in to 27 ft 6 in (sources vary) |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 10 in (82 in - widest in midsize class) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft (72 in - stand-up flat-floor) |
| Cabin Cross-Section | Oval (vs typical circular) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 150 cu ft (40 internal + 110 external) |
| Balanced Field Length (TOFL) | 4,200 to 4,600 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,400 ft (exceptional) |
| Cabin Design | BMW Designworks |
| Dispatch Reliability | 99% |
| Original New Price (Production Era) | $18,400,000 to $20,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Average | $15,460,000 |
| Pre-Owned Range | $13,000,000 to $17,500,000 |
History as Embraer's Fly-By-Wire Midsize Pioneer
The Legacy 500 was the first jet in the midsize and super-midsize class to feature full fly-by-wire flight controls and a flat-floor stand-up cabin, both industry-first innovations announced at the August 2007 NBAA convention.
Platform timeline:
- August 2007: NBAA cabin mock-up reveal (MSJ + MLJ concepts)
- April 2008: Program launched at $750M investment
- May 2008: EBACE naming (Legacy 500 at $18.4M, Legacy 450 at $15.25M)
- November 27, 2012: Legacy 500 first flight
- August 12, 2014: FAA certification
- 2014: Service entry
- June 2, 2016: Melbourne, Florida assembly line opened (96 Phenoms + 72 Legacys per year capacity)
- January 2017: First U.S.-assembled Legacy 500 entered final assembly
- October 2018: Praetor 600 announced (Legacy 500 upgrade)
- 2019: Praetor 600 certified
- 2020: Legacy 500 production ends
Important note: Unlike the Legacy 450 → Praetor 500 conversion (95% systems commonality with STC available), the Legacy 500 CANNOT be upgraded to Praetor 600 standard. Embraer Wikipedia explicitly states: "because of changes made to a number of systems, EMB-550 airframes that use the Legacy 500 commercial designation cannot be similarly upgraded to the Praetor 600 standard."
Industry-First Innovations in Midsize/Super-Midsize Class
The Legacy 500 pioneered multiple industry firsts:
1. First Full Fly-By-Wire Midsize Jet
Parker Hannifin fly-by-wire system:
- First in midsize/super-midsize class: Industry first
- Side-stick controls: Modern cockpit design
- Reduced pilot workload: Computer-managed flight envelope
- Flight envelope protection: Prevents over-G, over-speed conditions
- Improved handling: Smoother control response
- Reduced maintenance: Fewer mechanical linkages
2. First Flat-Floor Stand-Up Cabin in Class
- 6 ft (72 in) stand-up height: Industry first
- Flat floor: No center aisle drop
- 6 ft 10 in width: Widest in midsize class
- Greater space than competitors: Taller AND wider
3. Best-in-Class Cabin Altitude
6,000 ft cabin altitude at maximum operating altitude (FL450):
- Lowest in class: Reduces passenger fatigue
- Better long-mission comfort: Critical for transcontinental flights
4. BMW Designworks Cabin Design
BMW Group's design subsidiary designed the Legacy 500 interior:
- Ergonomic seating: BMW automotive design sensibility
- Fully reclining seats: Convert into 4 beds
- Aft 3-place divan options: Both sides
- Belted toilet option: Configuration flexibility
- Light colors: Modern minimalism
Cabin Interior
The Legacy 500 has the widest cabin in the midsize class:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 26 ft 8 in to 27 ft 6 in (varies by source) |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 10 in (82 inches - widest in class) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft (72 inches - stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Altitude at Max Cruise | 6,000 ft (best in class) |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 8-Passenger: Double-club layout with center club seats
- Up to 12 Passengers: With aft 3-place divan on both sides + belted toilet + forward side-facing seat
- Seats Convert to 4 Beds: For long-haul flights
- Largest Lavatory in Class: Pressurized compartment accessible from lavatory
Cabin Features
- BMW Designworks design: Industry distinction
- Center club seats reclining into beds: Long-haul comfort
- 150 cu ft baggage: 40 internal + 110 external
- Pressurized internal baggage: Accessible during flight
- Large windows: Natural light
- Honeywell Ovation Cabin Management: HD video streaming, immersive audio
- WiFi capability: Standard
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 466 ktas (Mach 0.83) |
| High Speed Cruise | Mach 0.82 |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 451 ktas (520 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 420 to 440 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax, LRC) | 3,000 to 3,125 nm |
| Range (Mach 0.80, 8 pax, NBAA IFR) | 2,800 nm |
| Range (Seats Full, NBAA IFR) | 2,950 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| MMo | Mach 0.83 |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length (MTOW, SL, ISA) | 4,200 to 4,600 ft |
| Unfactored Landing Distance | 2,400 ft (exceptional) |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to London (~3,000 nm) - achievable with light load
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) - comfortable
- Los Angeles to Honolulu (2,556 nm) - comfortable
- Dubai to Paris (2,945 nm) - very close
- Geneva to Dubai (2,400 nm) - comfortable
- New York to Madrid (3,000 nm) - very close
The Legacy 500 can fly non-stop coast-to-coast at Mach 0.80 across the United States, even against 99% of annual winds, and still land with NBAA IFR fuel reserves.
Engines
Two Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines, each producing 6,540 lbf of thrust (13,080 lbf total). The HTF7500E is derived from the broader Honeywell HTF7000 family with over 7 million flight hours of service experience across multiple aircraft including the Gulfstream G280, Bombardier Challenger 350, Cessna Citation Longitude, and Embraer Praetor 600.
Avionics: Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics:
- 4× 15.1" high-resolution LCD displays: Largest in midsize class
- Touchscreen displays: Modern interface
- Graphical flight planning: Modify plans directly on displays
- Synthetic Vision System (SVS): 3D terrain/obstacle representation
- Auto-throttle: Standard
- Auto-brake: Standard
- Integrated FMS: Modern flight management
- Advanced weather radar: Standard
- Optional HUD/EVS: Available
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~280 gph) | $1,680 to $2,240 |
| Engine Reserve | $500 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $550 |
| Misc Variable | $350 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,080 to $3,640/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.93 million all-in.
Annual budget at 200 hours: $1.45 million ($850K-$875K fixed + $600K-$650K variable).
Average operating cost per AviaCost: $6,511/hr (all-in 450-hour basis).
Charter rates: $5,500 to $7,500 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2018 to 2020 Legacy 500 (final production) | $16,500,000 to $17,500,000 |
| 2016 to 2017 Legacy 500 | $14,500,000 to $16,500,000 |
| 2014 to 2015 Legacy 500 (early production) | $13,000,000 to $15,000,000 |
Average pre-owned: $15,460,000.
Original new price: $18.4 to $20 million.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Transcontinental U.S. Operators: 3,125 nm range, coast-to-coast capable
- Step-Up From Midsize to Modern Platform: Fly-by-wire, widest cabin
- 8-12 Passenger Corporate Flight Departments: Largest in class
- Cabin Comfort Priority: BMW Designworks, 6 ft 10 in width
- Owner-Operators Seeking Wide Cabin: Largest midsize cabin
Less suited if:
- You need 4,000+ nm range (consider Praetor 600 or Falcon 2000LXS)
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want STC upgrade path to Praetor 600 (NOT available, unlike 450→500)
- You need short-field operations under 4,000 ft
Pros and Cons
What the Legacy 500 Does Well
- 3,125 nm range
- 466 ktas (Mach 0.83) cruise
- 6 ft 10 in cabin width (widest in midsize class)
- 6 ft stand-up flat-floor cabin
- 6,000 ft cabin altitude (best in class)
- Full fly-by-wire flight controls (industry first in class)
- BMW Designworks cabin design
- Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion with 4× 15.1" displays
- 150 cu ft baggage with pressurized internal access
- 99% dispatch reliability
- 2,400 ft landing distance (exceptional)
- Seats convert to 4 beds for long-haul
Tradeoffs to Understand
- CANNOT be upgraded to Praetor 600 via STC (unlike Legacy 450)
- Production ended 2020
- 3,125 nm range less than Praetor 600's 4,018 nm
- Two-pilot operation required
- Average pre-owned $15.46M still significant
- 4,200-4,600 ft balanced field longer than smaller midsize
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Legacy 500 different from the Legacy 450?
The Legacy 500 (EMB-550) is the larger, longer-cabin sibling of the Legacy 450 (EMB-545). The 500 has a 26'8"-27'6" cabin (vs Legacy 450's 22'4"-22'5") and 3,125 nm range (vs 2,900 nm). Both share 95% systems commonality including HTF7500E engines, Pro Line Fusion avionics, and fly-by-wire controls. The 500 was the original flagship; the 450 was developed afterward as the shorter variant.
How is the Legacy 500 different from the Praetor 600?
The Praetor 600 (2019) is the updated version of the Legacy 500 with longer range (4,018 nm vs Legacy 500's 3,125 nm), increased fuel capacity, taller and wider winglets, and increased maximum weights. CRITICAL: Unlike the Legacy 450 → Praetor 500 conversion via STC, the Legacy 500 CANNOT be upgraded to Praetor 600 standard due to substantial systems changes.
How far can a Legacy 500 fly?
The Legacy 500 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 3,125 nautical miles with 4 passengers, or 2,950 nm with seats full. The aircraft can fly coast-to-coast across the United States non-stop at Mach 0.80 against 99% of annual winds with NBAA IFR fuel reserves.
Is the Legacy 500 single-pilot certified?
No. The Legacy 500 requires two pilots.
Can a Legacy 500 be converted to Praetor 600?
No. Unlike the Legacy 450 → Praetor 500 STC conversion (with 95% systems commonality), the Legacy 500 cannot be upgraded to Praetor 600 standard. Embraer states this is due to substantial systems changes in the Praetor 600 design that are not retrofittable to existing Legacy 500 aircraft.
What is unique about the Legacy 500's cabin?
The Legacy 500 has the widest cabin in the midsize class at 6 ft 10 in (82 inches). Combined with 6 ft stand-up height, flat floor, and BMW Designworks design, the Legacy 500 cabin provides the largest interior of any midsize jet. The cabin altitude of 6,000 ft at maximum operating altitude is also the best in class.
What engines power the Legacy 500?
Two Honeywell HTF7500E turbofan engines, each producing 6,540 lbf of thrust.
What is Pro Line Fusion?
Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion is the integrated avionics suite on the Legacy 500, featuring four 15.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen LCD displays, graphical flight planning, synthetic vision, auto-throttle, auto-brake, and modern flight management capabilities. It's the largest display configuration in the midsize class.
The Bottom Line
The Embraer Legacy 500 is the historically significant first full fly-by-wire midsize business jet, delivering industry-leading cabin width (6 ft 10 in), the largest displays in class (4× 15.1"), BMW Designworks design, and 3,125 nm range. As the predecessor to the current Praetor 600, the Legacy 500 represents proven midsize technology at substantially attainable pre-owned pricing. At $15.46 million average, the Legacy 500 offers compelling value, though buyers should understand that the platform CANNOT be upgraded to Praetor 600 standard via STC (unlike the Legacy 450 → Praetor 500 path). For operators valuing maximum cabin comfort and modern fly-by-wire capability, the Legacy 500 delivers.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Legacy 500 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to the (non-)conversion path considerations.
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Book a Embraer Legacy 500 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Embraer Legacy 500 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Embraer Legacy 500 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Embraer Legacy 500 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Embraer Legacy 500 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Embraer Legacy 500 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Embraer Legacy 500 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Embraer Legacy 500 operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Embraer Legacy 500 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Embraer Legacy 500 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Embraer Legacy 500-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Embraer Legacy 500 flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Embraer Legacy 500 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Embraer Legacy 500-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Embraer Legacy 500 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Embraer Legacy 500 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Embraer Legacy 450: Shorter Sibling (Convertible to Praetor 500)
- Embraer Praetor 600: Direct Successor (NOT Convertible from Legacy 500)
- Embraer Praetor 500: Smaller Sibling (Current Production)
Production of the Embraer Legacy 500 ended in 2020. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Embraer provides parts/support. NOTE: Legacy 500 cannot be converted to Praetor 600 via STC. Specifications accurate as of 2026.