Eclipse Aviation News
Williams International, renowned for its advances in powerplant technology, was previously under contract to Eclipse Aviation for the design and certification of the Eclipse 500 airframe and manufacturing facilities. Williams remains the engine supplier, providing the EJ22 turbofan exclusively to Eclipse Aviation.
“This is a natural and planned evolution in the development of Eclipse Aviation Corporation. We’re extremely pleased to be able to make the transition earlier than previously anticipated,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse.
The arrangement with Williams ensured that from the start, those working on the design and certification of the Eclipse 500 had the tools, resources and infrastructure required for the rapid advancement of the aircraft development program. It also facilitated a high-level of airframe and engine integration, while enabling Eclipse Aviation to establish a positive and collaborative working relationship with the FAA.
“Our engineering team is lead by one of the finest aircraft designers in the world. Thanks in no small part to Oliver Masefield, we have built a powerful foundation of knowledge, assembled a stellar team, and laid the groundwork necessary to ensure the successful completion of the Eclipse 500,” said Raburn.
The airframe development team was recruited expressly for the Eclipse 500 development program and will remain intact through their relocation to the Eclipse Aviation headquarters and manufacturing facility.
“My team and I are looking forward to our move to Albuquerque,” said Dr. Oliver Masefield, Eclipse Aviation Vice President of Engineering. “I am confident that having all Eclipse Aviation employees based in the immediate proximity of where the aircraft will be manufactured, will optimize the efficiency of the development program and ease the production of the first aircraft.”
The Eclipse Aviation team of engineers, currently working out of the Williams International facility in Walled Lake, Michigan, will relocate to Albuquerque, New Mexico and the surrounding areas, where they will be based in the recently expanded Eclipse Aviation headquarters and manufacturing facility. The transition will begin in August and be completed by November 2001.
All but three of the engineers in leadership and FAA relationship management positions remain on the Eclipse Aviation team. The Eclipse 500 team is 170 people strong.
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.