Thu, Dec 11, 2003
Hampson Industries PLC Secures Contract To Manufacture
Empennage Assembly For Eclipse 500
In another addition to Eclipse
Aviation's increasingly international reach; Eclipse and the UK's
Hampson Industries PLC, have signed a contract under which Hampson
will manufacture the empennage assembly for the revolutionary
Eclipse 500 jet. The agreement represents the largest single
contract ever awarded to Hampson and reflects Eclipse's commitment
to partner with the most capable suppliers worldwide. The contract
has an estimated value of $380 million USD.
Under the contract, Hampson's Aerospace Fabrications &
Assemblies Division will assemble the complete empennage structure
of the aircraft, including component parts and large stretch-formed
components. Completed assemblies will be delivered direct to
Eclipse Aviation's manufacturing facilities in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, on a just-in-time basis. Hampson is currently a principal
supplier to leading aerospace manufacturers including Airbus,
Boeing and Rolls-Royce PLC.
"We are delighted to be associated with Eclipse and to have the
opportunity to play a significant part in the launch of this
revolutionary new aircraft," said Kim Ward, Chief Executive of
Hampson. "The securing of this contract follows other successful
recent new work gains by Hampson and provides us with access to a
high profile and very high volume program. We intend to work in
very close partnership with Eclipse to ensure the success of the
Eclipse 500 program."

Hampson will supply assemblies for pre-production aircraft in
2004, followed by an expected rapid build up in support of
Eclipse's production plans from 2006 onwards.
"The Hampson team has demonstrated strong expertise in
structural part fabrication and component assembly, proven
knowledge of production logistics, and an ability to scale their
manufacturing to support our high volume production," said Vern
Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "This contract once
again demonstrates Eclipse Aviation's commitment to search globally
to find the most qualified partners, who share our vision to change
the way people travel and have the capability to support our value
proposition."

The Eclipse 500 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada
PW610F engines, the aircraft will have accommodation for five
passengers plus the pilot and will have a maximum cruise speed of
375 knots. It will cost $950K.
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