Eclipse Aviation News
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Refinements to Eclipse 500 Jet Optimize Safety, Performance and Comfort
Customer input reflected in detailed design of aircraft
- July 23, 2001 - EAA AirVenture 2001, OSHKOSH, WI - Eclipse Aviation Corporation today announced modifications to the interior and exterior of its Eclipse 500 jet aircraft. The changes, several made in response to customer requests, will increase the level of cabin comfort and enhance the safety and performance of the aircraft.
“Our customers are our most stringent critics and some of our strongest supporters,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “Changes made during the detailed design phase of the Eclipse 500 program reflect the careful consideration we have given their invaluable input.”
Efforts to maximize cabin space have enhanced passenger comfort in the lightweight, six-place jet. The cabin door has been moved from the right side of the aircraft to the left, creating more flexibility in the arrangement of the cabin seating. A seat redesign, new armrest and side panel designs give passengers more hip room. The ceiling console has been reduced in depth to increase headroom and passenger comfort. Expandable sidewall pockets provide storage for personal belongings and then fold flat while not in use. The cabin also includes moveable worktables and cup holders.
Changes to the Eclipse 500 cockpit include increased headroom and shoulder room for pilots, a redesigned instrument panel to provide more knee room and greater pilot comfort, and a larger range of vertical and horizontal pilot seat movement for greater comfort and ease of entry. Wider cockpit windows now increase pilot view and provide better structural efficiency. The aircraft now features three large LCD displays as standard equipment, underlining the company’s commitment to safety through high quality information management.
“Refinements are part of a natural evolution that occurs in every aircraft development program as work progresses from the preliminary to the detailed design phase,” said Dr. Oliver Masefield, Eclipse Aviation vice president of engineering. “The modifications made to the design of the Eclipse 500 have resulted in improved comfort and performance while helping us achieve our targeted weight and attain the highest levels in safety.”
Adjustments to the exterior of the aircraft include:
Larger horizontal engine pylon
- Reduces drag and weight as well as improving access to systems
Modified rear fuselage design
- Improves engine intake airflow, reduces airframe drag, increases space for systems while resulting in a lighter-weight structure
Optimized engine placement
- Maximizes separation from primary structure and complies with the latest FAA thinking on engine rotor burst
Separate fairing included along the fuselage’s wing line
- Improves stall characteristics of aircraft
- Allows containment of systems in easily removable fairing
Incorporation of a tail-mounted speed brake
- Results in lower weight, lower complexity design
Modifications to wing root shape and wing placement
- Achieves more efficient, lighter weight structure and provides additional fuel volume
Redesigned tail and dorsal
- Improves aerodynamic efficiency and reduces weight
New full-size exterior and interior mock-ups of the Eclipse 500 jet are available for viewing at AirVenture 2001, July 24 through July 30, at Eclipse Aviation’s exhibit tent located just southwest of AeroShell Square (formerly known as the West Ramp).
“Our customers are our most stringent critics and some of our strongest supporters,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “Changes made during the detailed design phase of the Eclipse 500 program reflect the careful consideration we have given their invaluable input.”
Efforts to maximize cabin space have enhanced passenger comfort in the lightweight, six-place jet. The cabin door has been moved from the right side of the aircraft to the left, creating more flexibility in the arrangement of the cabin seating. A seat redesign, new armrest and side panel designs give passengers more hip room. The ceiling console has been reduced in depth to increase headroom and passenger comfort. Expandable sidewall pockets provide storage for personal belongings and then fold flat while not in use. The cabin also includes moveable worktables and cup holders.
Changes to the Eclipse 500 cockpit include increased headroom and shoulder room for pilots, a redesigned instrument panel to provide more knee room and greater pilot comfort, and a larger range of vertical and horizontal pilot seat movement for greater comfort and ease of entry. Wider cockpit windows now increase pilot view and provide better structural efficiency. The aircraft now features three large LCD displays as standard equipment, underlining the company’s commitment to safety through high quality information management.
“Refinements are part of a natural evolution that occurs in every aircraft development program as work progresses from the preliminary to the detailed design phase,” said Dr. Oliver Masefield, Eclipse Aviation vice president of engineering. “The modifications made to the design of the Eclipse 500 have resulted in improved comfort and performance while helping us achieve our targeted weight and attain the highest levels in safety.”
Adjustments to the exterior of the aircraft include:
Larger horizontal engine pylon
- Reduces drag and weight as well as improving access to systems
Modified rear fuselage design
- Improves engine intake airflow, reduces airframe drag, increases space for systems while resulting in a lighter-weight structure
Optimized engine placement
- Maximizes separation from primary structure and complies with the latest FAA thinking on engine rotor burst
Separate fairing included along the fuselage’s wing line
- Improves stall characteristics of aircraft
- Allows containment of systems in easily removable fairing
Incorporation of a tail-mounted speed brake
- Results in lower weight, lower complexity design
Modifications to wing root shape and wing placement
- Achieves more efficient, lighter weight structure and provides additional fuel volume
Redesigned tail and dorsal
- Improves aerodynamic efficiency and reduces weight
New full-size exterior and interior mock-ups of the Eclipse 500 jet are available for viewing at AirVenture 2001, July 24 through July 30, at Eclipse Aviation’s exhibit tent located just southwest of AeroShell Square (formerly known as the West Ramp).
About Eclipse:
Eclipse Aviation is in the business of designing, certifying and producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the transportation market. The company is applying advanced electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that cost less than a quarter of today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft.
The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation.