Embraer has selected the Rolls-Royce AE 3007A2 engine to power the Brazilian manufacturer’s new Legacy 650, it was announced here yesterday.

Certification of the 9,200-pound thrust turbofan is expected in late 2010, in time to enter service with the first aircraft before the end of the year.

The AE 3007A2 will provide 6- to 12-percent more high-altitude takeoff and climb thrust than its predecessor, and allow the Legacy to operate from airports at altitudes in excess of 13,000 feet. It is 10 percent more efficient than the AE 3007A1E that powers the Legacy 600 and, along with some 381 gallons of additional fuel, extends the range to 3,900 nautical miles.

A higher airflow, more efficient wide-chord fan and updated software are key to higher efficiency and long-range fuel consumption. The new fan incorporates 38.5-inch, compound swept-fan blades with a new bypass vane and core vane. It has 90-percent commonality in engine core with the AE family, which collectively has accumulated more than 35 million hours of operations.