The Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 are two popular business jets manufactured by Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company. Both jets are known for their luxurious cabins, high-quality materials, and reliable performance. While the two aircraft share similarities, the Legacy 650 has some key upgrades that set it apart from the Legacy 600. In this article, we’ll dive into the major differences between these two jets, exploring their history, design, interior features, performance, and operating costs.
History of the Legacy 600 and Legacy 650
The Legacy 600 was introduced in 2000 as one of Embraer’s first business jets, stemming from the design of the ERJ 135 regional jet. Designed with luxury and efficiency in mind, the Legacy 600 quickly gained popularity for its spacious cabin and long-range capability. Due to its successful reception, Embraer decided to develop an upgraded version of the Legacy 600, introducing the Legacy 650 in 2009. The Legacy 650 entered service in 2011, boasting more extended range, enhanced avionics, and refined cabin comfort.
Embraer’s decision to release the Legacy 650 was based on customer feedback and market demand. Clients wanted the luxurious comfort of the Legacy 600 but with greater range for longer international flights. The Legacy 650 addressed these needs, allowing for extended flights between major international cities, while the Legacy 600 remains popular for medium-range flights.
1. Exterior Design and Dimensions
Both the Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 have similar overall designs since they are both derived from the ERJ 135. However, there are subtle differences in dimensions that affect cabin space, fuel capacity, and ultimately, range.
Length: Both jets measure approximately 86 feet long, with no significant difference in overall length.
Wingspan: Both aircraft have a wingspan of about 69 feet, meaning the two jets have nearly identical exterior dimensions.
Height: Both jets stand at about 22 feet tall.
Despite these similarities, the Legacy 650’s updated design allows for additional fuel tanks, which gives it the advantage of extended range. This slight modification doesn’t impact the aircraft’s overall appearance but significantly improves its capability.
2. Range and Fuel Efficiency
The Legacy 650 was introduced with a key improvement over the Legacy 600—its range. While both jets are known for long-distance capabilities, the 650 offers extended reach, allowing for nonstop international flights that the Legacy 600 might need to refuel for.
Legacy 600 Range: The Legacy 600 has a range of approximately 3,250 nautical miles (around 6,020 kilometers) with four passengers and optimal fuel. This range is suitable for medium-length international flights, like New York to London or Dubai to Geneva.
Legacy 650 Range: The Legacy 650 has a more impressive range, reaching up to 3,900 nautical miles (around 7,223 kilometers). This range is ideal for longer transatlantic routes, such as New York to Rome or Dubai to London, without needing a refueling stop.
The extended range of the Legacy 650 is possible due to additional fuel tanks and an increased Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW). These additions allow the Legacy 650 to perform more efficiently on longer routes, appealing to clients who frequently travel internationally.
3. Cabin Interior and Layout
When it comes to luxury, the Legacy 600 and 650 both offer top-tier cabin features. However, the Legacy 650 boasts some key enhancements that make it even more comfortable for long-haul flights.
Cabin Size
The Legacy 600 and 650 share similar cabin dimensions, with a spacious and comfortable design ideal for business and leisure travel. Both cabins are approximately:
Length: 42.4 feet
Width: 6.9 feet
Height: 6 feet
These dimensions make both jets some of the most spacious options in the super-midsize jet category, allowing for a comfortable and luxurious experience for passengers. Both aircraft can accommodate up to 13 passengers, with seating configurations that vary depending on customization.
Cabin Zones and Layout
The Legacy 650 offers a three-zone cabin layout, while the Legacy 600 typically has a two-zone layout. This three-zone layout provides an added level of privacy and flexibility, allowing passengers to divide the cabin into different areas for meetings, relaxation, and dining.
Legacy 600 Cabin Zones: The Legacy 600 usually has a two-zone cabin. The layout includes a forward galley, a main seating area, and an aft cabin area that can be used as a lounge or meeting space. It may include a divan or reclining seats, depending on the configuration.
Legacy 650 Cabin Zones: The Legacy 650’s three-zone layout is a highlight, with a forward galley, a mid-cabin with seating and work areas, and an aft lounge or private bedroom. This additional zone enhances privacy and functionality, making it ideal for travelers who want separate spaces for work, rest, and socializing.
4. Seating and Comfort
Both jets offer luxurious seating with fully reclining chairs, premium upholstery, and ample legroom. The seats can be arranged in a club configuration for group discussions or reclined for relaxation. However, the Legacy 650’s seating is slightly more refined and optimized for long-haul comfort.
Legacy 600 Seating: The Legacy 600 features ergonomic leather seats that are comfortable for medium-length flights. The cabin is equipped with soundproofing, although it’s not as advanced as in the Legacy 650.
Legacy 650 Seating: The Legacy 650 offers upgraded seating with improved soundproofing for quieter cabins, providing a more relaxing atmosphere, especially on long flights. The seating configurations are customizable and can include divans that convert into beds for overnight flights.
5. Baggage Space
The Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 both provide ample baggage space, but the Legacy 650 has a slight edge in baggage capacity, which is an attractive feature for long-haul travelers who may need more storage.
Legacy 600 Baggage Capacity: Offers around 240 cubic feet of baggage space, which is more than sufficient for medium-length flights and typical passenger needs.
Legacy 650 Baggage Capacity: Has about 286 cubic feet of baggage space, making it suitable for extended trips where passengers may have more luggage.
6. Performance and Engine Specifications
The Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 are powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 3007A engines, which are known for their reliability and efficiency. However, the engines in the Legacy 650 have been upgraded to handle the increased MTOW and fuel capacity, which extends the aircraft’s range.
Engine Power: Both jets feature the same Rolls-Royce engine model, but the Legacy 650’s engines are fine-tuned for long-distance performance and higher MTOW.
Cruising Speed: Both jets have a similar cruising speed of about 460 knots (528 mph), making them suitable for efficient and timely travel.
7. Avionics and Technology
The Legacy 650 has an upgraded avionics suite compared to the Legacy 600, making it more advanced and safer, especially for long-haul and international flights. Both jets are equipped with the Honeywell Primus Elite avionics system, but the Legacy 650 offers improved functionality and features.
Legacy 600 Avionics: The Legacy 600 has a Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics system, which was advanced for its time but lacks some of the enhancements found in the Legacy 650. It includes basic navigational aids, communication systems, and safety features.
Legacy 650 Avionics: The Legacy 650’s avionics suite includes the Honeywell Primus Elite system, which offers synthetic vision, better display technology, and enhanced situational awareness. These upgrades enhance safety and operational efficiency, especially in adverse weather conditions and complex airspaces.
8. Operating Costs and Maintenance
Operating costs are always a major consideration in selecting a business jet, especially for corporate clients. While the Legacy 600 has lower operating costs, the Legacy 650 offers improved fuel efficiency on long-haul routes, which can offset the initial investment over time.
Legacy 600 Operating Cost: The Legacy 600 has an average hourly operating cost of around $3,500 to $4,000. It is considered affordable in its class, particularly for medium-length flights. Maintenance costs are manageable, and parts are readily available.
Legacy 650 Operating Cost: The Legacy 650 has a slightly higher hourly operating cost, averaging $4,200 to $4,500. While it’s more expensive to operate, the jet’s extended range and lower fuel burn on long flights make it cost-effective for those needing international travel capabilities.
9. Market and Resale Value
The Legacy 600 and 650 have good resale values in the business jet market. However, since the Legacy 650 is newer and has extended range, it generally holds a higher resale value.
Legacy 600 Resale Value: The Legacy 600 tends to be more affordable on the pre-owned market, making it an attractive option for buyers who need a reliable, medium-range jet without a steep price.
Legacy 650 Resale Value: The Legacy 650 has a higher resale value due to its newer technology and extended range capabilities. It appeals to buyers who need the extra performance for transcontinental flights, and therefore, commands a higher price on the resale market.
Conclusion
When comparing the Legacy 600 and Legacy 650, the choice largely depends on the buyer’s needs and priorities. If you require a jet for medium-range flights with manageable operating costs, the Legacy 600 remains a strong choice. It offers ample comfort, reliability, and luxury.
On the other hand, if your travel often involves longer distances or international routes, the Legacy 650 provides enhanced performance, increased range, and upgraded features. While the initial cost and operating expenses may be higher, the benefits of advanced avionics and superior comfort may justify the investment.
In conclusion, the Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 are both outstanding aircraft that embody luxury and performance. They cater to different segments of the market, with the Legacy 600 being a more cost-effective option for medium-range flights and the Legacy 650 offering enhanced capabilities for long-distance travel. Both jets are excellent choices for business travelers seeking comfort, reliability, and style in the sky. Understanding the key differences between these two models will help potential buyers make an informed decision that aligns with their travel needs and budget.
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