The Little Jet That "Almost Made It" May Still Be A Winner

All things old may be new again... and that seems to include one of our favorite little jet aircraft, the uncommonly thrifty Eclipse 500. Known initially as the world’s first "Very Light Jet," the Eclipse 500 twinjet can cruise at speeds of 425 miles per hour, and travel over 1,100 non-stop nautical miles -- all the while consuming as little as 48 gallons per hour (total)!

The Eclipse 500 continues to be recognized as the world’s most efficient light jet, while generating the least emissions of any twinjet flying. And that's not idle boasting, its verifiable fact.

In September 2009, a group of Eclipse owners, former deposit holders (included Eclipse Aerospace Boss Mason Holland) and investors, orphaned by the failure of the original company, formed Eclipse Aerospace International which subsequently purchased the assets from the shuttered company.

Their first goal was to re-establish service, support and the parts supply chain. Their second goal was to re-start production of the EA-500 aircraft.

The first goal is well underway... and there is definite progress on the second, though the company is careful not to tip their hand at this point or engage in any claims until they're ready to prove them. In the meantime, Holland's flock has unveiled the "Total Eclipse." The Total Eclipse is a fully configured EA500 aircraft that 'encompasses all currently available features and functionality.'

Specific components include flight to 41,000 feet, 20,000 cycle airframe life and an on-board color radar, electronic moving maps and eCharts (Jeppesen) all presented directly on the EA500 multifunction display. The Total Eclipse is priced at $2.15 million, including a factory warranty.

FMI: www.eclipseaerospace.net, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews