http://www.eclipseaviation.com
.
|
 Designed
as a 6 person jet with a range of 1300nm and a speed of 355kt the Eclipse
500 first flew at 0918MDT on 26th August 2002 at Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Originally to be powered by Williams EJ22 engines, over 1300 orders were
claimed in late 2002. The aircraft is manufactured using a stir-welding
process.
Deliveries
were planned to commence early 2004 but engine problems were experienced
which delayed the first flight of a 16 month test programme aiming for
certification in late 2003. The engine choice was then changed to
the P&WC PW610F which meant several changes to the aircraft were required
thus delaying the project but also improving the performance. An initial
test aircraft was 'retired' in October 2003 after concluding test flights
using Teledyne Continental turbojets.
.
First
flight of the re-engined aircraft took place on 31st December 2004, beginning
a test programme using six aircraft. One test aircraft was later
damaged during a wheels up landing in September 2005, blamed on pilot error.
It was repaired and returned to the test fleet.
Tha
aircraft's cost is quoted as being around a quarter of that of other small
jets, at $875,000 and it is said to be easier and cheaper to fly than the
others. Around 2500 orders are claimed as of mid 2007. The
Eclipse had several last minute problems before its certification,
including the
original composite tip tanks which were changed to aluminium due to
lightning
strike test failures. Consequently this extended the range to
1125 with speeds up to 370kts. The company also parted company with its
avionics and training suppliers in the lead up to certification
although through deals with other companies it states that this
will not delay deliveries of aircraft, and also gives a better avionics
package. Aircraft certification was granted in September 2006
although production certification was delayed by the FAA. |