LaBarge Inc. of St. Louis has entered into a multiyear agreement with Eclipse Aviation Corporation in Albuquerque, N.M., to manufacture wiring harnesses for the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ).
LaBarge has been contracted, under an agreement worth roughly $10 million in initial orders, to provide more than 80 different wiring harnesses. These wiring harnesses will be incorporated into electronic systems of the VLJ having to do with engine and cockpit functionality, fuel monitoring, and landing gear.
The Eclipse 500 is manufactured by Eclipse Aviation to offer performance and safety comparable to twin-engine, jet-powered aircraft, but with the ability to take advantage of smaller airports throughout the U.S. The VLJ is expected to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification by the end of this month.
LaBarge has begun work on Eclipse Aviation’s order at its Berryville, Ark., and Joplin, Mo., facilities. The company anticipates the work to continue through the middle of next year. For more information, visit www.labarge.com.