All seven Eclipse test aircraft are now in production at the company"s Albuquerque factory, including three certification aircraft, two "beta" test aircraft, and the static and fatigue test airframes. Here, Eclipse Aviation is showing new interior packages and optional equipment for the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ). The auto-type interior options were created for Eclipse by design team IDEO and BMW DesignWorksUSA and provide two trim levels: standard, and leather-and-sheepskin LX. The LX edition also includes AC power outlets and better soundproofing.
Both basic packages include seating for five, and both interiors can be fitted with a lavatory package, a refreshment center or a sixth seat. An entertainment system can be installed as an option. The interiors will be produced by C&D Aerospace and are expected to set new standards for ease of production, installation and repair.
Eclipse is also showing new optional equipment packages to meet the special needs of different customers. The company claims that the standard aircraft has features not available on many higher-priced aircraft (such as a two-zone vapor-cycle air-conditioning system and an autothrottle). For FAR Part 135 air-taxi or charter services, Eclipse is offering a package that includes a third attitude-heading reference system and a larger oxygen tank. A copilot package includes a second oxygen mask and keyboard, and a European package includes ADF and DME receivers. Among other options are a terrain awareness and warning system and L3"s StormScope and SkyWatch systems.
This summer, Eclipse announced that it had acquired an Aero L-39 jet trainer that will be used as an integral part of the Eclipse training program. Every Eclipse owner will complete two short L-39 training flights to learn how to recover from upsets before proceeding into the formal transition course.
This year, Eclipse has added Ducommun AeroStructures, Chile"s Enaer and Compass Aerospace to its production team. Ducommun will supply fuselage panels, Enaer will build the complete nose section, and Compass will provide fuselage and door components.
