Yes... There IS A Single Engine Eclipse... Proof Of Concept

We've been waiting for a while to break this... but ANN readers will be pleased to know that they are the FIRST to see the amazing pictures we took of the first flight of an experimental 'proof of concept' Eclipse single engine jet.

Using an extensive amount of Eclipse componentry, the flawless 70 minute, July 2nd flight was photographed by ANN and documented in video by our Aero-TV staff.

The first flight was conducted by veteran test pilot, Terry Tomeny, who was first pitched on this idea just a few months before at the company Christmas Party by Vern Raburn, himself.

Just a little over 200 days later, in a magnificent effort of intense prototyping and development, the Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) was born.

Mind you, we can't say much yet... as the bird has continued to fly over the last few weeks to compile nearly 30 hours before landing late Sunday at Wittman Field, where it was unveiled at Eclipse's opening press event... but the plans are to see if the bird can hit targets of 345 knots, 41,000 feet and a range in excess of 1250 nm... so far, early test results look promising and Raburn was all smiles after logging his first bit of flight time in the bird yesterday.

In fact, it was Raburn in the left seat when he landed on Runway 9 at Wittman Field at approximately 2000 CDT.

ANN will have more information and detail on our site, later today. One of our first Aero-TV presentations on the ECJ is available now on the Aero-TV Beta Site. 

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com