Company Releases Final Performance Numbers

A revolutionary and time-consuming project, one that literally reshapes the paradigm for light jet transportation, is proving to be just a tad more time-consuming (like most revolutions are) than its adherents had hoped...

Eclipse Aviation has confirmed for ANN that it expects to achieve FAA certification of the Eclipse 500 jet in the next few weeks, but not (as hoped) within the next few days. While the company was anticipating FAA certification in late June, the thorny issue of continued supplier delays have pushed the schedule back. 

"We are on the verge of achieving FAA certification, and are thrilled to be gearing up to begin delivering airplanes to our customers," said Vern Raburn, President and CEO of Eclipse.

"While the majority of our certification program has been completed, we have faced ongoing supplier delays to obtain TSOs for their systems that have pushed back our projected late June certification by another several weeks. Although this is frustrating to the customers that are so eager to receive this aircraft - and the Eclipse team members who have been working night and day to avoid this delay - we are very proud that the Eclipse 500 will be the first VLJ to be certified by the FAA"

Also today, Eclipse released final performance numbers for the breakthrough jet. The Eclipse 500 will offer a maximum cruise speed of 370 knots, a stall speed of 69 knots, a useful load of 2,400 pounds, a two engine climb rate of 3,314 feet per minute and a range of 1,125 nautical miles (with four occupants, NBAA IFR, 100 nm alternate).

"Our customers will be getting a stellar aircraft, and one that features significant upgrades that exceed their original expectations," commented Raburn.

"These include a major engine enhancement, unprecedented aircraft integration, airline-like reliability, an unmatched training experience and an unrivaled product support plan that will set a new standard for general aviation. Useful load and climb rate have exceeded our estimates, while speed and range numbers are slightly off the numbers we predicted in early 2003. Nonetheless they mark a milestone for aviation and a revolution in the value proposition for private jet travel."

Eclipse Aviation notes that the Eclipse 500 is the "least expensive twin-turbofan business jet in the world, delivering acquisition and operating costs that are dramatically lower than those of current entry-level jets. At the same time, the revolutionary jet gives customers technologies and capabilities traditionally only found in jets costing millions more."

As the Eclipse 500 is nearing the end of an extensive certification flight test program that examined aircraft handling, flight characteristics, avionics and electronics performance, environmental/noise impact, systems reliability and aircraft safety, the company adds that the test fleet's performance throughout flight testing has been exceptional, demonstrating the advanced safety, handling and operating efficiencies the Eclipse 500 was built to deliver.

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com