Albuquerque based Eclipse Aerospace keeps to schedule for their first aircraft delivery of the Eclipse 550 Twin-Engine Executive Jet, planned to occur in Q3 2013.
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. have celebrated a significant production milestone by performing the first power up of their new production Eclipse 550 Twin-Engine Jet. The first of the Eclipse 550 jets successfully powered up its two Pratt & Whitney PW610F engines, and the aircraft systems came on line at the company’s facility in Albuquerque, N.M.
Eclipse Aerospace restarted the 550 Twin-Engine Executive Jet aircraft production line last June planning for delivery of the first new Eclipse 550 series aircraft in the third quarter of 2013. The new 550 has built upon the same proven airframe as the Eclipse 500 aircraft, the 550 series has been thoroughly enhanced by additional technologies that include a dual and redundant integrated flight management system and independent standby displays all powered by advanced microprocessors.
Mason Holland, CEO of Eclipse Aerospace said:
“What a great accomplishment by our entire team at Eclipse, 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 current fleet of over 260 Eclipse twin-engine jets have already gained a significant reputation as one of the most advanced, safe, and fuel-efficient series of jets in general aviation. The Eclipse 550 Twin-Engine Executive will be powered by the same PW610F turbofan engines as are used in the EA-500, which collectively produce 1,800 lbs. of thrust. The result is the 6,000 lb. Eclipse Jet has 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.
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