Eclipse Inks Agreement with PWC To Supply Engine for
Eclipse 500 Jet
Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the
Eclipse 500 jet, has finally(!) announced an agreement with Pratt
& Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC). Configured with P&WC's
new PW610F turbofan, the now faster Eclipse 500 jet features a
375-knot cruise speed, improved performance across a wide range of
conditions and improved durability in operation. "We're very proud
to provide the engine for the Eclipse 500," said Alain M.
Bellemare, President, P&WC. "This partnership solidifies
our position as a leader in this fast growing segment of the jet
market."
The
PW610F, the latest member of the PW600 family of engines, features
900 lbs of takeoff thrust at sea level to ISA +10°C with
built-in growth capability and is controlled through a dual-channel
FADEC. The PW600F family spans the 900 to 3,000 lb thrust
range and is P&WC's smallest turbofan engine series.
"We are very excited about the improved
capabilities of the Eclipse 500 jet powered by the PW610F
turbofan," said Vern Raburn (right), President and CEO of Eclipse
Aviation. "The specifications of the PW610F turbofan,
P&WC's vast turbine expertise and its leadership in this
promising new market make this solution ideal for Eclipse customers
and stakeholders."
Eclipse 500 Enhancements and Schedule
The PW610F is a modern, efficient engine that uses a proven and
robust design approach. As a result, Eclipse 500 customers
will benefit from the following enhancements:
- 20 knot increased maximum cruise speed (from 355 kts to 375
kts)
- Improved all engine climb rate of 2,990 ft/min
- Improved hot-and-high takeoff distance of 3,350 ft (5,000 ft
ISA+15)
- Improved hot-and-high single-engine climb of 293 ft/min (5,000
ft ISA+15)
- Access to P&WC's extensive engineering and service
resources
Based on the PW610F development schedule, the Eclipse 500 is
projected to receive FAA type certification and begin customer
deliveries in Q1 2006. The development program for the PW600F
family is well under way.
"I've spoken with several other Eclipse 500 customers, and we've
all been hoping Eclipse would choose P&WC as the new engine
supplier," said Jeff Rubenstein, a customer in New
York. "Pratt is clearly the gold standard in aviation engines,
particularly for this new category of aircraft. I'm thrilled
to hear Eclipse and P&WC are teaming up, and anticipate that
the performance and value of the new Eclipse 500 will significantly
exceed my initial expectations."
Design, Specifications and Performance Summary
Minimal Eclipse 500 design changes will be required to
accommodate the enhanced performance of the PW610F
turbofan.
Those adjustments include:
-
Engines will be moved forward 9.5" on the
fuselage
- Vapor Cycle System will be moved from the wing-root fairing to
the nose section of the aircraft
- The wing spar will require minor strengthening
- Small tip tanks will be added to accommodate additional
fuel
- Flaps will be modified, increasing "Fowler-type" effect
The following specifications have been adjusted to reflect the
upgrade to P&WC turbofans:
Eclipse 500 |
Original Performance Specs |
New
Performance Specs
|
Max. Cruise Speed (kts) |
355 (+/- 2.5%) |
375 (+/- 2.5%) |
Stall Speed (kts) |
62 (+/- 4%) |
67 (+/- 4%)
|
Range, 4 Occupants, NBAA IFR
Reserves |
1,300 nm
(+/- 5%) |
1,280 nm
(+/- 5%)
|
Useful Load (lbs) |
2,000 lb (+/- 2.5%) |
2,250 |
Direct operating costs of the Eclipse 500 are expected to be $.69
per mile in year 2000 dollars. Additional specifications can
be found on the Eclipse 500 specifications document at www.eclipseaviation.com.
Standard Equipment
The guaranteed standard equipment on the Eclipse
500 jet includes the two P&WC turbofan engines, in place of the
previously specified EJ22s, and the unchanged list of guaranteed
standard equipment below:
- Full IFR capability
- 3 large EFIS displays for PFDs and MFD
- Flight management systems
- 3-axis autopilot
- Color weather radar
- Dual VHF communication
- Dual VHF navigation
- Dual localizer and glide slopes
- 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
- Standard interior with five seats
- Standard paint scheme
- Air conditioning
The aircraft also features autothrottle capability, a function
previously available only in jets costing $30 million or
more. In addition, the standard aircraft is certified to RVSM
requirements.
Eclipse 500 Pricing and Warranty
Eclipse will deliver its full order book, more
than 2100 aircraft, at a sub-$1 million price tag and will sell an
additional 100 aircraft at $950K. Current customers were recently
given a firm price of $950,000 with non-escrowed deposits and
$975,000 for customers whose deposits remain in escrow. As
early as serial number 1553, the price will increase to $1,175,000
for all new orders. All prices are set in June 2000
economics.
Eclipse has also disclosed the key terms of its
warranty. The warranty on the airframe will be ten years or
5,000 hours from the date of purchase, the warranty on the engines
will be three years or 1,000 hours and the warranty on the
remaining portions (avionics, all electronics, aircraft systems)
will be two years or 1,000 hours.