Eclipse Aviation News
The roll-out marks the transition of the aircraft from Eclipse's manufacturing organization to the flight test organization, which will prepare it for flight testing. The roll-out occurred in an informal ceremony for Eclipse employees at the company's facility in Albuquerque, NM
Vern Raburn, Eclipse President and CEO said, “Roll-out of N503EA is an important symbol of the real progress made in the Eclipse 500 program. Over the coming months, we will have five test aircraft flying as well as airframes for static and fatigue testing. The Eclipse 500 remains on track for FAA certification in March, 2006.”
Rod Holter, VP Operations, said, “The assembly process went remarkably smoothly. In some ways it's hard to believe this is a pre-production aircraft. The precision of the aircraft parts and the tooling are remarkable. We've validated our advanced manufacturing processes and are confident in our ability to manufacture the production aircraft in volume.”
Eclipse 500 Test Aircraft Fleet
Eclipse flew its first aircraft, N500EA, for the first time in August 2002 that was subsequently retired in October 2003 after completing a successful flight test program. Since then, Eclipse has been manufacturing an additional seven preproduction aircraft: one static test airframe, one fatigue test airframe and five additional flight testing aircraft. Below is a breakdown:
N500EA -(retired) completed aerodynamic and systems validation flight testing
N502EA -FAA certification flight test, focus on aerodynamics and structures
N503EA -FAA certification flight test, focus on mechanical systems
N504EA -FAA certification flight test, focus on avionics and electronics
N505EA and N506EA -beta test aircraft, accelerated usage testing
Earlier this year, Eclipse announced a change in the manufacturing order for the next two aircraft, where N503EA would be manufactured and flown prior to N502EA.
About Eclipse Aviation
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 about 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. Contact Eclipse at http://www.eclipseaviation.com.
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Eclipse Aviation Corporation, Eclipse and Eclipse 500 are trademarks of Eclipse Aviation Corporation.
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.