Production Set To Start On New Twin-Engine Jets, Deliveries Planned For 2013

In what may be one of the industry's most successfull turnarounds in recent memory, Mason Holland, CEO and Chairman of Eclipse Aerospace announced Monday at the NBAA Convention in Las Vegas that the company has re-opened the order book for new airplanes, and will soon begin production of the the Eclipse 550, the new twin-­engine jet model in the Eclipse Jet family.

Holland said the company expects a robust customer response based on the support received from current Eclipse owners, suppliers and the aviation community in general. He said production and production levels will be driven by overall market demand,, but that he couldn’t be more excited or optimistic.

The Eclipse 550 will be a technologically advanced, twin-­engine jet aircraft with a design that utilizes the same airframe and operations, direct operating costs, technology, comfort, and performance. The base price of the Eclipse 550 twin-­engine jet is USD $2,695,000 (2011 value). Eclipse Aerospace expects to produce 50 to 100 aircraft per year with deliveries beginning in 2013.

The Eclipse 550 will be powered by the same Pratt & Whitney PW610F turbofan engines used in the EA-­500, which collectively produce 1,800 lbs. of thrust. This gives the 6,000 lb. Eclipse Jet a maximum cruise speed of 375 knots and an IFR range of 1,125 nm with a full fuel payload of 700 lbs. Like the EA-­500, the Eclipse 550 will have a maximum service ceiling of 41,000 ft and a cruise fuel flow of only 59 gallons per hour.

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