The First Auto Throttle System In GA FAR Part 23 Aircraft Now Approved And Ready For Flight

The FAA has granted Supplemental Type Certification (STC) to Eclipse Aerospace for both the Auto Throttle and Anti-Skid Brake (ASB) systems for the Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet. The Auto Throttle, developed in partnership with Innovative Solutions & Support, is a first for FAR Part 23 aircraft. The lightweight ASB system is the only ASB in general aviation that does not require a complex aircraft hydraulic system, thereby reducing maintenance and allowing for simple operation with very few components.

With the addition of auto throttle system, Eclipse 550 pilots will be able to select the appropriate airspeed for the autopilot to maintain and the autopilot will automatically adjust the engine's power settings in various phases of flight. Along with overspeed and underspeed protection, this new feature will greatly reduce the pilot's workload, and increase the overall safety of flight.

"The development and certification of these new technologies is the result of a great team effort between Eclipse, Innovative Solutions & Support, Advent Aerospace, and the FAA. The addition of these new technologies exemplifies our commitment to build the safest, simplest to operate, jet in the world." stated Cary Winter, Eclipse Aerospace SVP Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technical Operations.

The Anti-Skid Brake system, which can be retrofitted to all Eclipse 500 with the IFMS(R) avionics package, allows for maximum braking energy and skid control. The new ASB system will include a brake control valve installed in each wheel well, two axle-mounted wheel speed sensors, a logic control board and a software update to the Avio Processing Center. Testing has shown the ASB system will stop an aircraft, under dry runway conditions and at normal landing speeds (70-100 knots), in approximately 700 feet.

"I am very excited to announce these new technologies for the Eclipse Jet and it further demonstrates that the Eclipse Aerospace team is committed to keeping the Eclipse Jet as the most advanced general aviation aircraft in the world," stated Mason Holland, EAI's CEO. "The entire Eclipse Aerospace team will continue to invest the resources, time, and effort to improve this wonderful aircraft so that it maintains its reputation as the most advanced twin-engine light jet in the world."

Eclipse said in a news release that the 550 features best in class performance, economics, and safety. The Eclipse 550 can fly at altitudes up to 41,000 feet at a max cruise of 430 mph, all while consuming a mere 59 gallons of fuel per hour. This new aircraft from EAI comprises a dual channel integrated flight management system, anti-skid brakes, the newly redesigned instrument panel with high-resolution displays (PFDs and MFD), a pilot standby display unit, ADS-B Out, a three-year factory warranty, and an incredible array of additional safety features.

(Eclipse 550 pictured in file photos)

FMI: www.ECLIPSE.aero