Thu, Mar 11, 2004
Jim Campbell's visit to Eclipse Aviation, Wednesday, for the
dedication of their high-tech, multi-million dollar friction stir
welding facility also allowed him an interesting distinction...
becoming the first journalist to test-fly an accurate aerodynamic
model of the Eclipse 500 on a flight simulator.
"Eclipse has collected a phenomenal amount of data on this
aircraft thanks to in-flight data-gathering and an extensive
ground-based telemetry system... this has allowed them to produce
what has to be an amazingly accurate aerodynamic profile for the
airplane." Jim noted, "...very pleasant control harmonies, good
acceleration, modest control forces, a rudder that (thankfully)
hasn't been dumbed down, a GREAT pitch stability and response
profile, and excellent aileron response... this is going to be a
fun airplane to fly... in VFR or IFR conditions."
A demonstrated V-1 cut on take-off from ABQ (mind you, with ISA
conditions and with the robust Pratt & Whitney 610F data) was a
big surprise. "I actually could have gotten away with leaving my
feet flat on the floor... the bird handles really well if you
simply use a light corrective bank angle to counter the asymmetric
issues, and booting the rudder only means that you're going to have
to get rid of it in a few seconds anyway. Initial climb rates, with
gear up and flaps (take-off configuration) down, were better than
expected (a good thing in light of simulated terrain staring me in
the face not too far down the road...) and the overall handling was
a bit of a no-brainer as I worked my way up from 90-140 knots in
pretty short order... if the actual airplane mimics this behavior,
even remotely (and they're confident it will), it's going to be an
easy bird to bring home with one mill out to lunch. This is going
to be even more impressive if, as is our general experience, the
actual bird handles better than the sim."
Yes... it's just a simulator model... but a model built upon one
of the most extensive data collection programs we've EVER seen, in
the GA/Light Commercial aviation business... no kidding. For a
first/quick sampling, we're impressed, and REALLY looking forward
to getting our hands on the real deal (which Campbell will get
early on in the Eclipse program, as promised by "Uncle Vern").
The production bird, which will be the second Eclipse to fly
(but the first with the new P&W 610Fs), should be flying before
the end of the year...
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