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Eclipse Aviation Releases Findings from First Phase of Eclipse 500 Flight Testing
Advanced Telemetry system mines rich data from revolutionary jet's first full week of flight
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - May 22, 2003 - Just seven days after announcing the resumption of Eclipse 500 flight testing, Eclipse Aviation today reported results of the breakthrough jet's first full week of flight. The Eclipse 500 has completed six test flights, logging five hours in the air at speeds from 85 knots to 183 knots and altitudes up to 15,000 feet. The aircraft's advanced L-band telemetry system, which yields significantly more data per flight than traditional systems, has provided a wealth of information on the jet's performance in these flights.
“The fact that we have accomplished so much in flight test in such a short time is a tribute to the maturity of the aircraft design. And now, with a handful of test flights, the advanced data acquisition system on aircraft 100 has allowed us to learn more about the aerodynamic characteristics and systems operations of this jet in one week than we would be able to discover over many months using traditional limited telemetry systems and flight test procedures,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “Our engineers are able to see what is happening to the airplane in real time. The results are very positive and prove that the Eclipse 500 airframe program is on track despite earlier engine vendor problems.”
Flight Test Milestones
Following its initial flight on August 26, 2002, the Eclipse 500 jet resumed testing on May 15, 2003 and in one week completed the initial phase of flight test. The first phase focused on low-speed handling characteristics and systems operations. Aircraft 100 was examined in highly turbulent conditions and the landing gear was cycled throughout the speed range, including emergency extensions. Flap operations were tested to within 15 knots of their final operating envelope and the airplane was also accelerated to 2.5 g's in turning flight.
During these flights, the fuel system was operated and examined while using both fuel transfer as well as emergency fuel pump operation. Throughout the flights, the AvioTM intelligent flight system was operational with all essential features working, including system synoptic pages. All of the electrical functions have utilized the electronic circuit-breakers, which are representative of the production system.
Data Acquisition System Expands Traditional Testing Parameters
The Eclipse 500 flight test instrumentation system is capable of recording and displaying instrumentation parameters to the pilot and to engineers on the ground in real time. At this point, more than 500 parameters are recorded and available for display to the pilot and to engineers on the ground in real time, which is five to ten times more than those available to the typical general aviation manufacturer. The telemetry system has been operational throughout the testing. This has enabled Eclipse's specialists to watch over every aspect of the systems, structures, aircraft handling and performance.
Interim Engines Advance Flight Test Program
To enable Eclipse Aviation to advance the flight test program prior to receiving the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F engines that will be used on the production aircraft, the Eclipse 500 test aircraft has been equipped with interim drone engines. After completing the development testing of the Eclipse 500 aerodynamics and systems with the interim engines, subsequent flight test aircraft will be used for certification flight testing with the Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, which will be available in late 2004. Altogether there are eight test aircraft, six of which will fly and two of which will be used for structural testing.
“The fact that we have accomplished so much in flight test in such a short time is a tribute to the maturity of the aircraft design. And now, with a handful of test flights, the advanced data acquisition system on aircraft 100 has allowed us to learn more about the aerodynamic characteristics and systems operations of this jet in one week than we would be able to discover over many months using traditional limited telemetry systems and flight test procedures,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “Our engineers are able to see what is happening to the airplane in real time. The results are very positive and prove that the Eclipse 500 airframe program is on track despite earlier engine vendor problems.”
Flight Test Milestones
Following its initial flight on August 26, 2002, the Eclipse 500 jet resumed testing on May 15, 2003 and in one week completed the initial phase of flight test. The first phase focused on low-speed handling characteristics and systems operations. Aircraft 100 was examined in highly turbulent conditions and the landing gear was cycled throughout the speed range, including emergency extensions. Flap operations were tested to within 15 knots of their final operating envelope and the airplane was also accelerated to 2.5 g's in turning flight.
During these flights, the fuel system was operated and examined while using both fuel transfer as well as emergency fuel pump operation. Throughout the flights, the AvioTM intelligent flight system was operational with all essential features working, including system synoptic pages. All of the electrical functions have utilized the electronic circuit-breakers, which are representative of the production system.
Data Acquisition System Expands Traditional Testing Parameters
The Eclipse 500 flight test instrumentation system is capable of recording and displaying instrumentation parameters to the pilot and to engineers on the ground in real time. At this point, more than 500 parameters are recorded and available for display to the pilot and to engineers on the ground in real time, which is five to ten times more than those available to the typical general aviation manufacturer. The telemetry system has been operational throughout the testing. This has enabled Eclipse's specialists to watch over every aspect of the systems, structures, aircraft handling and performance.
Interim Engines Advance Flight Test Program
To enable Eclipse Aviation to advance the flight test program prior to receiving the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F engines that will be used on the production aircraft, the Eclipse 500 test aircraft has been equipped with interim drone engines. After completing the development testing of the Eclipse 500 aerodynamics and systems with the interim engines, subsequent flight test aircraft will be used for certification flight testing with the Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, which will be available in late 2004. Altogether there are eight test aircraft, six of which will fly and two of which will be used for structural testing.
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.