Eclipse Notes – New Jet, Anniversary

Eclipse introduced a new, single-engine jet, delivered its 200th aircraft and celebrated its 10th anniversary during its recent “E-rrivals,” customer-only event. Nearly 300 customers and their guests touched down in Albuquerque for the three-day event, many of whom arrived in their own Eclipse 500 jets.

Eclipse Aviation Introduces Single-Engine Jet
Eclipse Aviation, announced just after press time May 30 that is now taking orders on the Eclipse 400 – a new single engine jet and a production version of the Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ), flown by Eclipse President Vern Raburn, to last year’s EAA and NBAA. The Eclipse 400 is priced at $1.35 million in June 2008 economics. Similar, single-turbine engine aircraft range from seven percent to 107 percent more expensive than the Eclipse 400. Deliveries for the Eclipse 400 are expected to begin in Q4 2011. The new aircraft will compete against such personal jets as the Cirrus 22, the Epic Victory, the PiperJet, the Excel-Jet Sport Jet and the Diamond D-Jet. Story continues below.


The company said the new jet continues the Eclipse tradition of bringing the most fuel-efficient jet airplanes to the marketplace. “At an estimated 330 knots, the environmentally-friendly Eclipse 400 uses less than one pound of fuel per nautical mile — making it the world’s most fuel-efficient jet aircraft,” it said. “The four-occupant Eclipse 400 jet cruises safely at 41,000 feet, or three miles above its closest competition. It will feature the most sophisticated flight deck and complete aircraft integration available in general aviation. Its robust V-tail design provides superior handling and it is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F, delivering unrivaled fuel economy.”
Eclipse 500 customers can place deposits on an Eclipse 400 and receive an exclusive $125,000 discount off the final delivery price provided their deposits are placed prior to July 25. Deposits from all others will be accepted starting at EAA AirVenture in July 2008.
“Ten months of quantitative and qualitative Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) research has convinced us that this is absolutely the right airplane for the emerging single-engine jet market,” said Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation president and CEO. “The ECJ has elicited a tremendous emotional response from current and potential customers alike – people just love this airplane. We are excited to formally add this new aircraft to the Eclipse Aviation product family as the Eclipse 400.”

Eclipse Aviation Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Eclipse Aviation celebrated its 10-year anniversary which was kicked off by CEO Raburn.
“What better way to celebrate 10 years than with the people who have stayed with us through it all,” said Raburn, addressing the assembled customers. “We’ve come a long way, and have a lot to be proud of. The E-rrival is a way for us to thank our customers, and for the entire Eclipse Aviation family to look back at what we’ve accomplished and to celebrate what lies ahead.”
Eclipse customers attending the E-rrival participated in a variety of activities, including: information sessions about owning, operating, and maintaining their Eclipse 500; tours of Eclipse Aviation facilities; simulator flights; an address from aviation humorist Rod Machado; golf tournament; reception and banquet; and family outings to New Mexico attractions.

Milestones:
• 1998: Eclipse Aviation founded by Vern Raburn.

• 2000: Eclipse Aviation moves headquarters to Albuquerque, N.M.

• 2002: The Eclipse 500 is flown for the first time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves the use of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) to produce the Eclipse 500.

• 2006: The 2005 Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded to Eclipse Aviation for innovation in the advancement of general aviation through the design, development and manufacture of the Eclipse 500. Eclipse Aviation receives full type certification for the Eclipse 500 from the FAA. The first production Eclipse 500 receives its Certificate of Airworthiness from the FAA, and the first Eclipse 500 is delivered to a customer.

• 2007: Eclipse Aviation receives its production certificate from the FAA. The Eclipse Concept Jet is revealed at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Eclipse Aviation opens its Customer Training Center in Albuquerque, and an Eclipse Service Center (ESC) in Gainesville, Fla. The FAA certifies Avio NG Total Aircraft Integration™, an avionics system exclusive to the Eclipse 500.

• 2008: Eclipse Aviation becomes the fastest general aviation jet aircraft manufacturer in history to produce its first 100 airplanes. Eclipse achieves Part 142 Training Certification. Eclipse Aviation expands its partnership with European Technology and Investment Research Center (ETIRC) Aviation to extend the global reach and impact of the Eclipse 500. An ESC is opened in Albany, N.Y.