Business Aircraft Eclipse 500 Jet

"Eclipse Aviation is creating a luxurious six-place, twin-turbofan aircraft that costs less than most used turbo-props. Powered by an extraordinary innovation from Williams International, the Eclipse 500 jet will revolutionize how - and what - people fly. The Eclipse 500 cruises at a brisk 355 kts, has a generous 1,300 nautical mile range (NBAA IFR, 4 occupants) and a 41,000 foot ceiling.

It is more economical to own and operate than most of today's single engine pistons and all multi-engine pistons and turboprops. The direct operating costs of an Eclipse 500 add up to just $.56 a mile. That's one fourth the operating cost of a King Air and half that of a Baron. For those who don't want to pilot themselves, we anticipate that aircraft charter, complete with professional pilot, will typically be competitive with a full-fare airline ticket." more.

"A surprising truth about jets is that they are actually easier and safer to fly than you may have been led to believe. When you step up to a jet, you get better performance and more reliable operation. And with the Eclipse 500, you also get a highly automated flight deck that sets a new standard for reliability and capability—and makes the Eclipse 500 the most integrated twin-engine jet flying today.

In the Eclipse 500, that automation comes from Avio NG, the next generation of Total Aircraft Integration.™ Designed exclusively for Eclipse Aerospace, Avio NG utilizes technology never before available in general aviation. Avio NG centrally controls aircraft systems including avionics, engine operation, fuel system, flaps, landing gear, cabin pressure, and temperature. Beyond that, it acts as a virtual copilot, providing checklists and advanced navigation and avionics information, improving safety and dramatically reducing pilot workload—especially during single-pilot operation

Avio NG includes dual Garmin® GPS 400W units that deliver point-to-point functionality, en route and terminal GPS navigational guidance with autopilot coupling, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capabilities for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) approaches, and much more. These integrated functions provide the navigational capability for private and commercial operations worldwide" more.

"In September 2009, Eclipse Aerospace embarked on a mission to finish the design and promised capabilities of the breakthrough Eclipse 500. Since acquisition of the company, Eclipse Aerospace has been investing in, and completing the design and certification of, the original EA500 jet, which now includes FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) and GPS coupled autopilot.

"Leading the way to a new generation of aircraft, the EA500 is a sophisticated, high-performance, economic twin jet with low operating costs, low environmental impact and uncompromised safety," said Mason Holland, Chairman and President of Eclipse Aerospace. "In their rush to deliver the aircraft, the former manufacturer of the EA500 [Eclipse Aviation Corporation] delivered to owners an aircraft that was only about 85 percent complete. These aircraft were great performers, but still lacked several important features. We now have completed the design and engineering of the EA500."

Eclipse Aerospace has re-engaged major suppliers of the aircraft's components and systems. EAI, now with over 100 engineers and technicians, continues to develop new features and increased functionality that will be included in the next version of the aircraft when production eventually resumes..." more or clic on the image for the The Eclipse 500: Images Gallery