Planes

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The Eclipse 500 is a very light jet (VLJ) designed and manufactured by Eclipse Aviation. It first flew on August 26, 2002, and was introduced to the market in 2006. It’s primarily used as a business jet or personal jet. The Eclipse 500 is a twin-engine, low-wing aircraft with a conventional tail design, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofan engines, each providing 900 pounds of thrust. It typically seats four to five passengers, plus a pilot, and can be configured for single-pilot operation. The airframe is primarily made of aluminum, with composite materials used in some secondary structures. The aircraft originally featured the Avio avionics suite designed by Eclipse, which integrated various aircraft systems into a single interface, including navigation, communication, and systems monitoring. Later models featured improved versions of this suite, like the Avio NG. In terms of performance, the Eclipse 500 has a maximum speed of about 370 knots (425 mph, 685 km/h) and a range of approximately 1,125 nautical miles (1,294 miles, 2,084 km) with reserves. It has a service ceiling of 41,000 feet (12,500 meters), a takeoff distance of around 2,300 feet (701 meters), and a landing distance of about 2,345 feet (715 meters). The Eclipse 500 was produced between 2006 and 2008, with around 260 units built. However, production was halted due to financial difficulties faced by Eclipse Aviation, which eventually led to the company’s bankruptcy. The Eclipse 500 was marketed as an affordable, efficient jet for owner-operators and small businesses, appealing to customers who might not have considered purchasing a jet due to cost and operational complexity. Eclipse Aviation initially aimed to sell the Eclipse 500 at a low price point of around $1 million, but production costs and other challenges led to price increases. The aircraft faced challenges during its certification process with the FAA, particularly concerning avionics and flight characteristics, which delayed its entry into service and affected its reputation. After Eclipse Aviation's bankruptcy in 2008, the assets were acquired by Eclipse Aerospace, which continued to support the Eclipse 500 fleet and later developed an improved version called the Eclipse 550. The Eclipse 500 is known for its fuel efficiency and relatively low operating costs compared to other jets in its class. It was designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to owner-pilots. However, it has some limitations, including its range, which may be limiting for longer missions without refueling stops. Early production models had various issues, including reliability concerns with the avionics suite, which required upgrades and retrofits. Although no longer in production, the Eclipse 500 remains popular in the secondary market. It has a dedicated user base and support from companies like Eclipse Aerospace (now part of One Aviation). Many owners have upgraded their aircraft with the Avio NG avionics suite and other enhancements to improve performance and reliability. The Eclipse 500 represents a significant chapter in the history of very light jets, pioneering a market segment that continues to evolve.