Eclipse 500 Could Revolutionize European Business Aviation

Vern Raburn

For decades, only the "ultra, ultra-wealthy" have had access to business aviation in Europe, according to Eclipse Aviation's CEO Vern Raburn. "Let's face it. European business aviation has been a shadow of what it is the United States," Raburn explained. "There's a bifurcation between real aviation and sport aviation in Europe," he continued. Except for Dassault, SOCATA and Pilatus, most European business aviation activity is recreational in scope. Only in the United States could a Cessna Skylane be considered a "business aircraft."

But, the 355 KTAS Eclipse 500, slated for certification in late 2003 and initial customer deliveries in early 2004, could change all that. "The aircraft actually enables, opens up a whole new sector for business aviation in Europe," he claimed. Priced at $837,500 in June 2000 dollars, Eclipse 500 will have a maximum range of 1,300 nm, cruise as high as FL 410 and have operating costs on a par with piston twins.

"It's size, speed and operating economy fits most business missions. And if it will work in the United States, it will work even better in Europe," Raburn asserted. Typical missions, such as Birmingham to Brest, and Bremerton to Bologna that are 300 to 600 miles long fit into the "sweet spot" of Eclipse 500's range and block-time capabilities.

In addition, the aircraft can operate from short, grass landing facilities and it has noise levels "an order of magnitude lower" than most other jets, assets which make the aircraft especially well suited to European operations.

Swiss-based international jet club Aviace has become the first major European customer to buy the Eclipse, placing a $94-million order for 112 aircraft to be delivered between 2004 and 2007. "If it's not the ultimate jet club airplane, it's real close," Raburn commented unabashedly.

In the past, critics scoffed at Raburn's aircraft cost, development time and performance projections. Not any more. Both competitors and first-tier vendors are taking serious interest in the program.

Why? The Williams' EJ22, that will power the Eclipse 500, is slated to being flight testing on a Saberliner 65 in the next few weeks.

Raburn said candidly that, up until now, Eclipse hasn't been pursuing the European business aircraft market because of a three-year order back log mainly from US customers and the need to keep focused the aircraft development schedule. Next, FAA recently approved Eclipse's revolutionary friction stir welding process. And, finally, assembly of the first flying test article is nearly complete, with first flight scheduled for late summer.

Raburn's success with investors also adds credibility to the program. He's raised $200-million of the $300-million needed to finish development. And, he's had serious discussions with First Equity regarding a cash for equity swap needed to complete the program, industry observers told Show News.

Raburn said William's engine technology has been a "cornerstone of the program, one of the fundamental enablers.".Systems, engines and avionics integration is a second key technology. And finally, high speed, low labor manufacturing, similar to modern automobile plants, makes possible unprecedented low production costs.

"This is how Cessna would build an aircraft if they were designing it from scratch," Raburn said. Most other aircraft manufacturing hasn't changed since the 1940s or 1950s, Raburn commented. Eclipse, in contrast, uses the latest computer design and manufacturing tools.

"We'll be able to build the entire ship in one, eight hour shift," Raburn claimed. But, he allowed that outside vendors will build most of the components. "IBM doesn't build printed circuit boards, there's a reason for it," he said.

Raburn allowed that aircraft certification may not occur before December 31, 2003, but he's adamant about hold down the retail price. "I'm not saying it will be right on time, but there's not a snow ball's chance in hell it will be over $900,000." Orders are "well into four digits" and next available delivery is 2007.

  By Fred George