Eclipse to debut first production Eclipse 550 at NBAA

The first production Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet will be on display at the 2013 National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

The Eclipse 550 adds as standard equipment dual WAAS (LPV) GPS receivers, XM weather, anti-skid brakes, Jeppesen tall approach plates, a dual and redundant channel FMS, and a new Independent Standby Display. Options include Synthetic Vision and Enhanced Vision, while Auto Throttles (an industry first in the light jet market) reduce pilot workload, according to Eclipse Aerospace officials. Customers are also offered the option of choosing a custom paint scheme to further personalize their jet.

“I am very proud of the Eclipse team. Every associate has contributed greatly to bringing this incredible aircraft back into production. This really is an amazing accomplishment, and a first in the aviation arena,” said Mason Holland, Eclipse Aerospace CEO. “In just four short years we have returned Eclipse to being a successful aircraft manufacturing company.”

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, all while consuming just 59 gallons of fuel per hour, according to company officials. The Eclipse 550, designed to be flown single pilot, can be equipped with six forward facing seats and includes a three-year tip-to-tail warranty.

For more information: ECLIPSE.aero