Posted on 11/16/2001 1:15:47 PM PST by NittanyLion
Eclipse Aviation is creating a luxurious six-place, twin-turbofan aircraft that costs less than most used turbo-props. Powered by an extraordinary innovation from Williams International, the Eclipse 500 jet will revolutionize how - and what - people fly.
The Eclipse 500 cruises at a brisk 355 kts, has a generous 1,300 nautical mile range (NBAA IFR, 4 occupants) and a 41,000 foot ceiling.
It is more economical to own and operate than most of today's single engine pistons and all multi-engine pistons and turboprops. The direct operating costs of an Eclipse 500 add up to just $.56 a mile. That's one fourth the operating cost of a King Air and half that of a Baron. For those who don't want to pilot themselves, we anticipate that aircraft charter, complete with professional pilot, will typically be competitive with a full-fare airline ticket.
The Eclipse 500 is constructed principally of aircraft aluminum. It is built using advanced, high volume manufacturing techniques, with an all glass cockpit, and avionics and operating systems derived from the computer industry. The Eclipse 500 is delivered with full IFR capabilities, including autoflight systems.
Price for the Eclipse 500 jet is $837,500 in June 2000 economics.
Any thoughts?
Absolutely...I put my order in already :-)
$1,000,000 and it costs less to own and operate than a single engine piston? Not in my book. Oh, they mean a comparable plane ... Doubt I'll see one at the FBO.
What stage of development is it in and what production volume is assumed? While that price may cover the recurring costs, estimated "profit", etc. I have a hard time believing it realistically covers the non-recurring costs. Certification can be a real bear, particularly on a high performance aircraft.
Now they just need to work on one that can take off and land vertically, without generating too much heat. That way I can land that sucker in my driveway and use it for my commute to work. *wink*
I'll bet it's not even certified for aerobatics or inverted flight. How much fun is that for $1M? ;-) see ya.
The CEO claims they got an order for 1000 jets in September, I'd be curious to know who ordered them.
What specifically is the inovation by Williams which makes this possible?
Yep. They're located here. (Too many to post them all at FR)
"Conforming" production design finalization is underway, and first metal has been cut. Production volume is expected to be very high. (One of founders is an ex-CEO of Ford.)
While that price may cover the recurring costs, estimated "profit", etc. I have a hard time believing it realistically covers the non-recurring costs.
Such information has not been made public.
Certification can be a real bear, particularly on a high performance aircraft.
Both Eclipse and the Feds are taking a very novel approach on certification. The FAA has been monitoring and making suggestions throughout the 500's development. Like the 777, the entire aircraft has been designed on computers and the complete certifification specs will be delivered on computer disc.
The first five airplanes (there will be no prototypes) will serve as the "proof of performance" ships, saving Eclipse years and millions in certification.
Sounds like a bargain.
Considering this is an aircraft, this is a good thing. < /sarcasm >
Is it just me, or is the above statement too obvious? Why even mention it?
My first thought when I heard about this was to wonder what, if any, effects the 9/11 atrocity will have on this company.
What specifically is the inovation by Williams which makes this possible?
I'm no expert, so I'll give it to you in this firm's words. Maybe some of FR's resident aviation experts could provide some verification:
The Eclipse 500 jet is powered by the super-compact and super-efficient EJ22, a breakthrough innovation designed and manufactured exclusively for Eclipse by world-renowned Williams International. The EJ22 engine is a special, commercial version of the FJX-2 engine Williams demonstrated under a $100 million cost-sharing program with NASA, as part of NASA's General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) program. Weighing approximately 85 lbs, and delivering over 770 lbs. of thrust, the engine provides a higher thrust-to-weight ratio than any commercial turbofan ever produced. It is also the smallest, quietest and lightest commercial aircraft engine, and makes feasible a whole new class of twinjet light aircraft.
Would you prefer to fly your own jet, or take an airliner?
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