Eclipse 550 business jet powered by Pratt & Whitney debuts at NBAA

LAS VEGAS, 22 Oct. 2013. Eclipse Aerospace Inc. (EAI) unveiled the first new production Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet, reported to be the only sub-$3-million-dollar jet aircraft in active production worldwide, at the 2013 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

EAI announced that all Eclipse 550 development, flight test, and certification plans have been completed and final acceptance from the FAA is in process. Deliveries to customers are planned to begin within a few weeks following receipt of FAA final acceptance, officials say.

The Eclipse 550 Jet includes standard equipment designed to enhance safe, single-pilot jet operations, such as a dual- and redundant-channel flight management system, Anti-Skid brakes, and a full-situation Independent Standby Display. Options such as Synthetic Vision and Enhanced Vision provide situational awareness for the pilot, while Auto Throttles--an industry first in the light jet market, officials say--help to further reduce pilot workload.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada P610F jet engines power the Eclipse 550, giving it the ability to fly to altitudes of up to 41,000 feet at a max cruise of 430 mph, while consuming just 59 gallons of fuel per hour. The Eclipse 550 Jet is designed to be flown single pilot, can be equipped with six forward-facing seats, and includes a three-year tip-to-tail warranty.