Eclipse Aviation

Eclipse Aviation News

Press Contact:
Andrew Broom
Eclipse Aviation Corp.
505-724-1369
[email protected]
Eclipse Aviation Debuts Eclipse 500 Interiors at AirVenture 2004
VLJ advances towards certification, Eclipse unveils exceptional aircraft interiors and furnishing options
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - July 28, 2004 - Setting the style and comfort standard for the new generation of very light jets (VLJ), today Eclipse Aviation announced interior designs and optional furnishings for the Eclipse 500 that reflect the company's unmatched ability to deliver personal aircraft to suit owners' needs from practical to luxury, all at a breakthrough price.

"To define a new value proposition in private jet travel, we are transforming every piece of the customer value chain," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "We have collaborated with internationally-renowned design and innovation firms IDEO and BMW Group DesignworksUSA, to offer a suite of beautiful, functional Eclipse 500 interiors with the fit, finish and attention-to-detail that characterize the world's finest automobiles - all at an unprecedented low cost."

The Eclipse 500 interior is available in four beautiful color schemes, designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA exclusively for Eclipse:

-Diablo - The Diablo interior features a black and tan color palette, echoing the soft, saddle-tan look of bridle leather.
-Sahara - The Sahara palette combines cream color seats offset by khaki-tan carpet and sidewalls, evoking the subtle beauty of the desert.
-Slate - The Slate interior¡¦s cool tones create a sense of peace and tranquility. Light-gray seats complement rich, blue-gray carpet and sidewalls - with regal, navy blue trim garnished liberally throughout.
-Cayenne - The Cayenne interior features taupe seats with bold, dark-red inserts and piping, handsomely punctuated by red-taupe carpet and taupe sidewalls. Cayenne is available exclusively in the optional LX Edition interior.

Eclipse 500 Interiors - A Tasteful Blend of Beauty, Comfort and Practicality
The Eclipse 500 interiors are offered in two stylish editions, the Standard Edition and the optional LX Edition. Both are extremely well appointed, featuring luxuries such as two-zone air conditioning, all-LED lighting and pleated window shades. The Standard Edition Eclipse 500 features durable nylon carpet; scuff-resistant laminate lower sidewall panels and baggage compartment bulkhead; and basic soundproofing insulation. The LED lighting includes individual reading lights, a baggage compartment light, a cockpit dome light and upper accent wash lighting. One work/dining table with cup holder is included.

The LX Edition features upgrades including all leather seats with lumbar support, sheepskin inserts for cockpit seats, wool carpet, whisper-quiet soundproofing, AC power outlets, adjustable sun visors, cockpit/cabin privacy curtain, wood accent strips, additional lighting, and exclusive striping schemes. Three upgraded work/dining tables with cup holders, featuring leather inserts and wood trim, are also included.

A variety of striping schemes, created by Scheme Designers of NJ, are available to complement each of the Standard and LX Edition interiors.

Furnishing Options Deliver Ultimate Customer Choice
Eclipse has created a number of additional interior options to complement the Standard Edition and LX Edition Eclipse 500 interiors. These include:
* Entertainment System: For the owner who wishes to enjoy audio entertainment while traveling, the Entertainment System includes CD changer / MP3 player, satellite radio receiver and all the accessories needed for cabin and cockpit audio.
* Lavatory Package: The Lavatory Package features electric flushing remove-to-service toilet, cabinet with dedicated storage for toiletries and a stowable privacy curtain. It is easily installed and removed from the location for the Sixth Seat.
* Sixth Seat: For maximum seating capability, a sixth forward-facing seat for the left-hand aft passenger cabin is available for both Standard Edition and LX Edition interiors.
* Refreshment Center: The refreshment center may be installed in-lieu of the sixth passenger seat or lavatory and provides sufficient capacity for both cold and hot beverages as well as snacks.
* Metal Plating (available with LX Edition only): To enhance the visual appeal of the cabin and allow operators to further differentiate their aircraft, upgraded metal plating treatment will be available for metal details ranging from air gaspers to door handles.
* Blue Backlit Instrument Panel: Contemporary blue backlit panels are available for the cockpit as a replacement for the standard white backlighting.
* Whisper-Quiet Soundproofing: Included in the LX Edition, Whisper-Quiet Soundproofing may be purchased separately for Standard Edition interiors.
* Adjustable Sun Visors: Included in the LX Edition, fully-adjustable, translucent Sun Visors may be purchased separately for Standard Edition interiors.
* Ashtrays: Ashtray inserts for the cabin and cockpit cup holders are available.

Innovative Design Yields Ultra-Light, Quick-Install Interior
Eclipse's innovative team of interior designers includes IDEO, the architect of the interior's technical design, and BMW Group DesignworksUSA, which developed the Eclipse 500 cabin colors and materials schemes.

Eclipse also recently partnered with aircraft interior design leader C&D Aerospace for production of the aircraft interiors. C&D will leverage its years of commercial aviation experience to help Eclipse set new standards for interior price, weight, and performance. Specifically, Eclipse and C&D will create an ultra-light luxury interior that will install at unprecedented speeds. The design features a small number of fully equipped upholstery subassemblies that are easy to install and the interior is assembled through a strategic sequence that significantly reduces overall installation time. In service removal, maintenance and replacement will be straightforward and inexpensive.

Eclipse also recently signed a long-term contract with Seamech International, which will design and manufacture the Eclipse 500 cabin and crew seats.
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.