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.