Tue, Jul 26, 2005
Leading Very Light Jet Has Now Reached Service Ceiling And
Maximum Speed
Eclipse Aviation Corporation tells ANN that it has met a number
of new goals as its flight test program continues to make
rapid progress. The Eclipse 500 climbed to its service ceiling and
reached its maximum operating speed for the first time. Aircraft
N502EA, equipped with flutter exciters, an air data boom and a
high-speed chute, reached 41,000 feet and accelerated to the
maximum operating speed (Vmo) of 285 knots.
"We have now confirmed the Eclipse 500's excellent handling at
the high and low end of the operating envelope," said Eclipse
Aviation president and CEO Vern Raburn.
"Recently, our flight test program completed the high end and in
2003, we concluded a highly successful N500EA flight test program
that opened the lower end of the operating envelope while
completing 117 stalls."
Flight Test Fleet Momentum Accelerates
The Eclipse 500 test fleet of FAA conforming aircraft has
exceeded 200 flight hours, accelerating to speeds of 285 knots and
soaring to heights of 41,000 feet. The test program has proven the
Eclipse 500's exceptional handling characteristics at high
altitudes. Over the coming weeks, Eclipse's test aircraft fleet
will complete key certification, function and reliability
testing.
Eclipse is manufacturing seven preproduction aircraft: one
static test airframe, one fatigue test airframe and five flight
test aircraft. The final flight test aircraft and second beta test
jet, N506EA, is in its final assembly position and will join
N502EA, N503EA, N504EA and N505EA in the air this summer.
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