Eclipse Aerospace Announces The "Total Eclipse" Program
A new factory refurbishment program dubbed “Total
Eclipse” was rolled out Monday by Eclipse Aerospace. The
Total Eclipse program marks the completion of the final design of
the original EA500 aircraft.
Since acquisition of the company in September 2009, Eclipse
Aerospace has been investing in, and completing the design and
certification of, the original EA500 jet, which now includes FIKI
(Flight Into Known Icing) and GPS coupled autopilot. “Leading
the way to a new generation of aircraft, the EA500 is a
sophisticated, high-performance, economic twin jet with low
operating costs, low environmental impact and uncompromised
safety,” said Mason Holland, Chairman and President of
Eclipse Aerospace. “In their rush to deliver the aircraft,
the former manufacturer of the EA500 [Eclipse Aviation Corporation]
delivered to owners an aircraft that was only about 85 percent
complete. These aircraft were great performers, but still lacked
several important features. We now have completed the design and
engineering of the EA500.”
Eclipse Aerospace has re-engaged major suppliers of the
aircraft’s components and systems. EAI, now with over 100
engineers and technicians, continues to develop new features and
increased functionality that will be included in the next version
of the aircraft when production eventually resumes.
Total Eclipse program customers can buy a fully configured EA500
aircraft that encompasses all currently available features and
functionality. Specific components will include flight to 41,000
feet, 20,000 cycle airframe life and an on-board color radar,
electronic moving maps and Jeppesen eCharts, all presented directly
on the EA500 multifunction display. Every Total Eclipse, priced at
$2.15 million, also includes a factory warranty. For a limited
number of “early buyers” each Total Eclipse purchase
also comes with a guaranteed buy-back provision. With this
guarantee, EAI will agree to repurchase the aircraft for a
guaranteed amount which can be applied towards a first year
production slot when EA500 manufacturing resumes.
Existing EA500 owners may also take advantage of the Total
Eclipse program. For a limited time, Eclipse Aerospace plans to
offer trade-in credits for used EA500 aircraft ranging from $1 -
1.7 million depending on the condition and features of the aircraft
presented for trade in.
“The Total Eclipse program is the most comprehensive and
important action we have taken to date as we expand our support for
EA500 owners,” said Holland. “The people who own and
fly the initial fleet of 260 EA500 aircraft are the innovators of
the very light private jet aircraft market. They have recognized
the great performance, unparalleled value and high utility of this
fantastic jet. We are proud that with this announcement, Eclipse
Aerospace is delivering on the full promise of the Eclipse
500.”
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