Eclipse Aviation News
"These tests," said Vern Raburn, president and ceo of Eclipse, "coupled with those being conducted on the EJ22 engine which will power the Eclipse 500, illustrate our concrete progress in bringing this aircraft to market."
Oliver Masefield, vice president of engineering for Eclipse said, "Essentially, our work at the University of Washington was focused on confirming the the computational fluid dynamic calculations of the aircraft. During the test series we found some discrepancies which led to changes that optimized the wing root fairings, but overall we verified the stability, control and handling characteristics of the aircraft."
Eclipse will immediately incorporate the data from these tests in an engineering simulator that will allow test pilots to simulate flying the aircraft, nearly 3 years ahead of its production.
The Eclipse 500, first in the company's line of small, highly efficient aircraft, is a twin engine jet, with six passenger capacity, 368 kt (423 mph) cruising speed, a 41,000 foot service ceiling and an NBAA IFR range of 1,450 nautical (1,667 statute) miles with four occupants. Built using advanced, high volume manufacturing techniques, with an all glass cockpit, and avionics and operating systems derived from the computer industry, the Eclipse 500 will transport passengers in automobile-like comfort for a cost that is typically equal to that that of a full fare commercial airline ticket. Aircraft cost is projected to be $775,000 (year 2000 dollars) when commercial delivery begins in 2003.
The Eclipse 500 Jet is designed to serve both the existing general aviation market and a new market, which the company terms the "air limousine" concept. Air limo service will be provided by new or current companies utilizing Eclipse's aircraft to provide air travelers with an alternative for on demand, point-to-point air travel that is fast, convenient and safe.
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.