News Item
03.18.13
Eclipse 550 Jet 'Powered Up' on Its Way to First Delivery
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. celebrates a major production milestone - the first power up of the new production Eclipse 550 Twin-Engine Jet. The first production Eclipse 550 aircraft successfully powered up its two Pratt & Whitney PW610F engines, and the aircraft systems came on line today at the company’s facility in Albuquerque, N.M.
Eclipse Aerospace officially restarted the Eclipse Jet aircraft production line last June and continues to track for delivery of the first new Eclipse 550 series aircraft in the third quarter of this year. Built upon the same proven airframe as the Eclipse 500 aircraft, the new Eclipse 550 series is enhanced by additional technologies including a dual and redundant integrated flight management system and independent standby displays all powered by advanced microprocessors.
“What a great accomplishment by our entire team at Eclipse,” said Mason Holland, CEO of Eclipse Aerospace. “This event is another key signal to the world that we continue on our methodical and well executed plan to reintroduce production and delivery of the Eclipse 550 Jet this year.”
The operation of the current fleet of over 260 Eclipse twin-engine jets have already garnered a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced, safe, and fuel-efficient jets in general aviation. The Eclipse 550 will be powered by the same PW610F turbofan engines as are 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 a maximum IFR range of 1,300 nm with a 45-minute fuel reserve. 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 gal/hr.
“The global markets are improving, sales activity and orders continue to grow, and the Eclipse Jet is priced extremely competitively as the only jet available in the world for less than three million US dollars”, stated Holland. “This attractive acquisition price coupled with our industry leading operating costs of only $1.69 per nautical mile makes the Eclipse Jet a great value for our owner flown customers as well as Corporations and Governments alike.”
Eclipse 550 customers will also be able to customize their aircraft with new features including auto-throttles, synthetic vision, enhanced vision, satellite phones, custom interiors, and anti-skid brakes.
Other Press Releases:
05.13.13: Crownair Selected as Factory Authorized Gold Service Center for Eclipse Twin-Engine Jets
04.09.13: Eclipse Launches Tour of Modern, Updated Production Facility
03.28.13: Eclipse Receives Production Certificate for EA550 Final Assembly
01.07.13: Eclipse Submits RFI to USAF Request for Very Light Jet Fleet
10.31.12: Eclipse Reveals Lexavia as Enhanced Vision Supplier
10.30.12: IS&S and Eclipse Aerospace Announce Production Order for Eclipse 550 Flightdeck
09.26.12: Eclipse Announces Anti-Skid Brakes
07.24.12: Eclipse Aerospace Announces Brazilian Type Certification Validation
07.25.12: Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW610 Engine Selected to Power New Eclipse 550 Aircraft
07.03.12: Eclipse Aerospace Announces "Total Eclipse = Total Savings" Program
06.04.12: Eclipse Announces Official Start of Production of 550 Model
05.15.12: PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky Company, Contracted to Build Eclipse 550 Airframe
04.25.12: Eclipse Receives Production Certificate from FAA for the Eclipse 550
04.19.12: Eclipse Operator Receives Part 135 Paperless Cockpit Approval
02.22.12: iPad App Announced for Eclipse Jet Owners
11.14.11: EAI Announces UAE Type Certificate Validation & 5 Aircraft Sales Into Region
10.10.11: An Eclipse Jet is donated to the Veterans Airlift Command at NBAA
10.10.11: Eclipse 550: Now Taking Orders
07.28.11: Eclipse Sales Take Off at EAA AirVenture 2011
07.25.11: Eclipse Jet Returns to 41,000 Feet
06.23.11: PhostrEx Receives FAA Approval
06.08.11: Total Eclipse Over Birmingham
06.06.11: Eclipse Sells Out Avio IFMS Upgrades for 2011
03.30.11: Eclipse Receives STC for Avio IFMS
02.02.11: Sikorsky Aircraft Completes Investment in Eclipse Aerospace
10.20.10: Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Announce an Agreement in Principle for Sikorsky to Make an Investment in Eclipse
10.19.10: Eclipse Aerospace & IS&S Announce an Integrated FMS for Eclipse Twin-Engine Jet
09.20.10: Eclipse Aerospace Announces Release of Enhanced Windshield, Return to 41,000 Feet
09.02.10: SimCom's Eclipse Sims Receive FAA Level D Certification
05.26.10: Eclipse Aerospace Announces Eclipse Aircraft Insurance Program
05.06.10: Boca Aircraft Maintenance Named US Southeast Factory Authorized Gold Service Center for Eclipse Aerospace
04.19.10: Eclipse Aerospace Announces Platinum Service Center in Istanbul
03.29.10: Eclipse Aerospace Announces Introduction of the Total Eclipse®
03.18.10: Eclipse Selects SimCom as Training Partner
02.26.10: Eclipse 500 Meets Environmental and Economical Needs of U-Haul International
