BAE Systems will leverage its legacy of avionic expertise for the design, production, and support of flight control computers for Embraer Legacy 450 and 500 business jets.

Under contract to Parker Aerospace, BAE Systems' work will include a primary flight control computer that will provide a lightweight, high-integrity solution that reduces fuel consumption and pilot workload.

The Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 executive jets will have the largest and quietest cabin in their classes. A flat-floor stand-up (6-foot) cabin, excellent pressurization, and vacuum lavatories are other highlights of the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500, complementing their superior performance and low operating costs. The jets will be the only ones in their segments equipped with cutting-edge fly-by-wire electronic flight control.

"We are proud to have been selected by Parker for Embraer's next generation of business jets. We will leverage our four decades of experience in designing both commercial and military fly-by-wire systems," said Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of commercial avionics for BAE Systems.

The company will provide software, hardware, and system design and support integration of the flight control computer for Parker Aerospace's flight control system on the aircraft.

BAE Systems will perform program management and design at its Rochester, UK, and Johnson City, New York, facilities and produce the flight control equipment at its Fort Wayne, Indiana facility.

Mark Seidel, Parker Aerospace Control Systems Division vice president and general manager, notes, "We are very pleased that our strategic teaming agreement with BAE Systems for the flight control computer is in place, offering Embraer the combined strength of Parker and BAE Systems in support of its Legacy 450/500 programs."

BAE Systems has developed and sold more than 2,600 primary flight control computers for the Boeing 777 airliner and 7,500 slat and flap control computers for the Airbus A320 series, in addition to supplying fly-by-wire flight control systems for military aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Since the program's inception in late 2008, the BAE Systems-Parker Aerospace team has passed critical design review, and the first prototypes have been shipped to Parker for integration.

The development program, from requirements definition to first flight in 2011, will be completed in less than three years.