Embraer "powered on" the Legacy 450/500 flight controls integrated test facility, known as the Iron Bird. The facility integrates the equipment and components of the fly-by-wire flight controls, avionics, hydraulics and several other system interfaces of the new midlight Legacy 450 and midsize Legacy 500 executive jets.

"Today, Embraer accomplished a significant milestone for the Legacy 450/500 program, and I would like to congratulate the team for this achievement," said Humberto Pereira, Embraer Vice President, Engineering, Executive Jets. "The Iron Bird is an important test facility for fly-by-wire development, because it allows the validation of proper systems integration and contributes to greater aircraft maturity when it enters service."

The Legacy 450/500 Iron Bird has been developed by Embraer in a partnership with Parker, which supplies the flight control system. It features a fully equipped cockpit with the actual hardware of an airplane installation. In a very automated environment, not only flight controls and systems integration are tested, but the platform can also be connected to the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and aircraft electrical system, which have their own dedicated test facilities. The Iron Bird allows pilots to be a part of the tests through an integrated aerodynamic model and visual system.

The Legacy 450/500 development program is advancing at a steady pace. The first flight of the Legacy 500 is on schedule for the second half of 2011.