Eclipse Aviation News
Innovative engine design, integrated electronics and modern manufacturing technologies are enabling the company to offer its Eclipse 500 aircraft with jet performance, impressive standard equipment, and a compelling price. List price for the twin turbofan aircraft has been set at $837,500, in June 2000 economics.
"Today's announcement gives our customers a price and set of specifications they can count on. Our design process has progressed significantly and we stand behind the information communicated today with certainty," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "We are confident enough that we will offer a refund to our customers if any of these specifications are not met in the final aircraft."
The aircraft will feature five seats standard, with an optional six-seat configuration. It will have a comprehensive avionics and electronics suite including the following list of standard equipment:
Full IFR capability
Full EFIS displays for PFD and MFD
Flight management system
3-axis auto pilot
Color weather radar
Dual VHF com
Dual VHF nav
Dual localizer and glide slope
Dual mode S transponder
Dual GPS, IFR enroute and approach certified
Dual AHRS with air data computer
Dual pitot static system
Certified for known icing
Air conditioning
The guaranteed performance specifications for the Eclipse 500 are:
Max Cruise Speed 355 kts (+/-2.5%)
Stall Speed 62 kts (+/- 4%)
Range, 4 occupants 1,300 nm (+/-5%)
Useful Load 2,000 lbs (+/-2.5%)
Max Cruise Speed is set at 4,100 lbs., ISA conditions. Range is measured at high-speed cruise, NBAA IFR 100 nm alternate, with a 200 lb. pilot and 170 lb. passengers.
Full-size and fuselage mock-ups of the Eclipse 500 jet are available for viewing July 26 through August 1, 2000, at the EAA AirVenture 2000 at Eclipse Aviation's exhibit tent located just southwest of AeroShell Square (formerly known as the West Ramp).
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.