Conceived in the late 1990’s, the Eclipse 500 introduced an altogether new category of aircraft known as the VLJ or Very Light Jet. While the jet boasted some impressive performance figures (including a 370 knot cruise and a maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet), it was the first multi-engine jet to also claim high levels of efficiency and affordability, bringing turbine class aircraft within reach of a much wider range of buyers.

Beyond performance, the Eclipse 500 also introduced several new technologies to the general aviation market. The aircraft is equipped with an impressive “glass cockpit” system from Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) known as Avio NG. The system includes a wide range of features normally reserved for larger aircraft, such as full synoptic displays of all aircraft systems as well as an auto-throttle system.

The aircraft was also the first to implement many innovative manufacturing techniques, becoming the first aircraft to utilize friction stir welding during construction of the major fuselage components. A somewhat new process at the time, friction stir welding allowed the Eclipse to be built to more demanding tolerances and achieve an overall lighter weight than what would have been possible from traditional manufacturing techniques. This same process has since been utilized by several modern space vehicles, such as the SpaceX Falcon 9 orbital class rocket.

The Eclipse 500 and its derivatives (The Eclipse 550, Total Eclipse, and Eclipse Special Edition) are often compared along side other turbine aircraft within the same category. This includes other jet aircraft, such as the Cessna Citation Mustang and Embraer Phenom 100, as well as high performance turbo-prop aircraft, such as the Socata TBM and the Piper Malibu Meridian.

By offering such a well balanced blend of performance, affordability, and ease of use, the Eclipse has become one of the most sought after aircraft among “owner-operators.”

Designed to integrate cutting edge technologies as the world’s first Very Light Jet (VLJ), the Eclipse 500 is unlike any other aircraft flying. With cruise speeds up to 370 knots and an operational ceiling of 41,000 feet, the Eclipse 500 offers truly extreme performance. Perhaps equally impressive, however, is the fuel sipping economy. With fuel burns of less than 70 gallons per hour, the Eclipse 500 costs less to operate per mile than nearly any other jet or turbo-prop available today (including smaller single-engine turbo-prop aircraft).

Extreme performance, extreme economy, and extremely fun to fly. It’s time to treat yourself to everything the Eclipse 500 has to offer!

(©2017-2024, AEROCOR LLC. All rights reserved)