Eclipse Aerospace powers up new production Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet

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, such as 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,” says 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 Eclipse 550 will be powered by the same PW610F turbofan engines as are used in the EA-500, which collectively produce 1,800 pounds of thrust. This gives the 6,000-pound 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,” Holland adds. “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 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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