-
The Embraer Praetor 600 is a $21 million super-midsize business jet.
-
Embraer calls it the most technogically advanced jet in its class.
-
See inside the $21 million aircraft that’s fully fly-by-wire and has touchscreen cabin controls.
Brazilian firm Embraer is the third-biggest manufacturer of civil aircraft behind Airbus and Boeing.
It found its start focusing on military aircraft, before expanding into regional airliners and business jets.
This array of divisions and their history paved the way for technological developments which have made its business jets some of the most popular.
In May, Business Insider toured an Embraer Praetor 600 at an aviation conference in Switzerland. The manufacturer extols it as the most technologically advanced jet in its class.
With features like full fly-by-wire controls and high-efficiency particulate air filters, here’s what the $21 million jet is like.
The Embraer Praetor 600 is a super-midsize business jet, capable of flying over 4,600 miles and with a top speed of 536 mph.
Business Insider toured a Praetor 600 on display at EBACE, Europe’s biggest business aviation conference, in Geneva.
In the flight deck, you can see the sidesticks that control the fly-by-wire technology, which Embraer initially developed for its military aircraft.
Instead of mechanical flight controls, fly-by-wire uses computer-controlled systems to process the pilots’ input. It means better fuel efficiency as there are fewer parts and lighter wires, plus simpler maintenance.
Embraer’s Phenom 300 also uses some fly-by-wire technology, but the Praetor 600 is fully fly-by-wire — the only super-midsize business jet to be so.
Another interesting tech feature can be seen on the nose, the enhanced flight vision system, which helps pilots land in low-visibility conditions.
Inside, there’s a relatively spacious galley that includes a sink …
… plus an oven, microwave, and fridge.
The 6-foot tall cabin has room for nine passengers, plus a HEPA filtration system.
The cabin is also pressurized to an altitude of 5,800 feet, helping ease the effects of jet lag.
Some of the ceiling panels store oxygen masks in case of emergency. Attached with electromagnets, they appear flush with the interior.
And next to the air vents, there are small touchscreens showing information about the flight.
There were actually several touchscreens, like this control panel tucked away in a stowage area.
All the seats face opposite another one, with a table that pops out from the ledge …
… As seen here, set up for a meal.
Plus there’s the three-seater divan that can be used as a bed.
At about 55 dB, the Praetor 600 has one of the quietest cabins on the market. That’s aided by the absence of an emergency exit behind the divan, where noise could come through the moldings.
Above the divan and at the front of the cabin were small TVs that displayed flight information.
And in the aft, there’s a compact bathroom.
The toilet can also be used as a seat, and drawers under the sink provide extra storage space.
A small door in the bathroom means passengers can access a stowage area midflight.
Read the original article on Business Insider
Source Agencies