Eclipse Inks Agreement with PWC To Supply Engine for Eclipse 500 Jet

Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 jet, has finally(!) announced an agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC). Configured with P&WC's new PW610F turbofan, the now faster Eclipse 500 jet features a 375-knot cruise speed, improved performance across a wide range of conditions and improved durability in operation. "We're very proud to provide the engine for the Eclipse 500," said Alain M. Bellemare, President, P&WC.  "This partnership solidifies our position as a leader in this fast growing segment of the jet market." 

The PW610F, the latest member of the PW600 family of engines, features 900 lbs of takeoff thrust at sea level to ISA +10°C with built-in growth capability and is controlled through a dual-channel FADEC. The PW600F family spans the 900 to 3,000 lb thrust range and is P&WC's smallest turbofan engine series.

"We are very excited about the improved capabilities of the Eclipse 500 jet powered by the PW610F turbofan," said Vern Raburn (right), President and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "The specifications of the PW610F turbofan, P&WC's vast turbine expertise and its leadership in this promising new market make this solution ideal for Eclipse customers and stakeholders."

Eclipse 500 Enhancements and Schedule

The PW610F is a modern, efficient engine that uses a proven and robust design approach.  As a result, Eclipse 500 customers will benefit from the following enhancements:

• 20 knot increased maximum cruise speed (from 355 kts to 375 kts)
• Improved all engine climb rate of 2,990 ft/min
• Improved hot-and-high takeoff distance of 3,350 ft (5,000 ft ISA+15)
• Improved hot-and-high single-engine climb of 293 ft/min (5,000 ft ISA+15)
• Access to P&WC's extensive engineering and service resources

Based on the PW610F development schedule, the Eclipse 500 is projected to receive FAA type certification and begin customer deliveries in Q1 2006. The development program for the PW600F family is well under way.

"I've spoken with several other Eclipse 500 customers, and we've all been hoping Eclipse would choose P&WC as the new engine supplier," said Jeff Rubenstein, a customer in New York. "Pratt is clearly the gold standard in aviation engines, particularly for this new category of aircraft. I'm thrilled to hear Eclipse and P&WC are teaming up, and anticipate that the performance and value of the new Eclipse 500 will significantly exceed my initial expectations."

Design, Specifications and Performance Summary

Minimal Eclipse 500 design changes will be required to accommodate the enhanced performance of the PW610F turbofan. 

Those adjustments include:

• Engines will be moved forward 9.5" on the fuselage
• Vapor Cycle System will be moved from the wing-root fairing to the nose section of the aircraft
• The wing spar will require minor strengthening
• Small tip tanks will be added to accommodate additional fuel
• Flaps will be modified, increasing "Fowler-type" effect

The following specifications have been adjusted to reflect the upgrade to P&WC turbofans:

Direct operating costs of the Eclipse 500 are expected to be $.69 per mile in year 2000 dollars.  Additional specifications can be found on the Eclipse 500 specifications document at www.eclipseaviation.com.

Standard Equipment

The guaranteed standard equipment on the Eclipse 500 jet includes the two P&WC turbofan engines, in place of the previously specified EJ22s, and the unchanged list of guaranteed standard equipment below:

• Full IFR capability
• 3 large EFIS displays for PFDs and MFD
• Flight management systems
• 3-axis autopilot
• Color weather radar
• Dual VHF communication
• Dual VHF navigation
• Dual localizer and glide slopes
• Dual mode S transponder
• Dual GPS, IFR enroute and approach certified
• Dual AHRS with air data computer
• Dual pitot static system
• Certified for known icing
• Standard interior with five seats
• Standard paint scheme
• Air conditioning

The aircraft also features autothrottle capability, a function previously available only in jets costing $30 million or more. In addition, the standard aircraft is certified to RVSM requirements.

Eclipse 500 Pricing and Warranty

Eclipse will deliver its full order book, more than 2100 aircraft, at a sub-$1 million price tag and will sell an additional 100 aircraft at $950K. Current customers were recently given a firm price of $950,000 with non-escrowed deposits and $975,000 for customers whose deposits remain in escrow. As early as serial number 1553, the price will increase to $1,175,000 for all new orders. All prices are set in June 2000 economics.

Eclipse has also disclosed the key terms of its warranty. The warranty on the airframe will be ten years or 5,000 hours from the date of purchase, the warranty on the engines will be three years or 1,000 hours and the warranty on the remaining portions (avionics, all electronics, aircraft systems) will be two years or 1,000 hours.

FMI: http://www.eclipseaviation.com