Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has received type and production certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the AE 3007A2, the latest member in the AE 3007 engine series, which powers Embraer's new large executive jet - the Legacy 650.

FAA certification, received on April 15, provided authorization for the first delivery of two fully certified AE 3007A2 production engines to Embraer the next day.

Dr. Michael Haidinger, Rolls-Royce Chief Operating Officer Corporate & Regional Engines, said: "This is a significant milestone marking the successful completion of a three-year development program that has delivered all technical requirements ahead of schedule. We are looking forward to the AE 3007A2 powering the first Legacy 650 into service later this year."

Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets said: "We're especially pleased with the performance results of the latest Rolls-Royce powerplant for the Legacy 650. The advanced technology capabilities of the AE 3007A2-powered Legacy 650 delivers the requirements customers have come to expect from Embraer."

Four AE 3007A2 engines were enrolled in Embraer's flight test campaign. Engine flight testing was successfully completed over the past nine months, with the engines operating flawlessly and achieving more than 500 flying hours.

The engine has a certificated thrust rating of 9,440 lbf, providing an extended range of up to 3,900 nautical miles (7,223 km) and a cruising speed of Mach 0.80 for the Legacy 650. The AE 3007A2 brings to the market superior performance in its thrust class, with a range of thrusts 6 to 12 per cent higher than its predecessor.

The AE 3007A2 is developed, assembled and produced at the Rolls-Royce manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. It has 90 per cent core commonality with the AE engine family - one of the company's most successful powerplants, with over 35 million hours in service.

Production engine orders are already in place for 2010, with aircraft entry into service scheduled for later this year.