Eclipse Aerospace is on target to deliver the first 550 private jet in the third quarter of 2013 as the first production aircraft successfully powered up its engines and systems yesterday.
Eclipse Aerospace officially restarted the Eclipse Jet aircraft production line in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last June.
“What a great accomplishment by our entire team at Eclipse,” said 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.”
Built upon the same airframe as the Eclipse 500, the new Eclipse 550 will be powered by the same PW610F turbofan engines as are used in the EA-500, which collectively produce 1800 lbs of thrust. This gives a maximum cruise speed of 375 knots and a maximum IFR range of 1300 nm with a 45-minute fuel reserve.
Like the Eclipse 500, the 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 $US 3 million,” said Holland.
“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.”