Eclipse 500
Aircraft Overview
In 2002, the Eclipse 500 introduced a radical new category of Very Light Jet (VLJ). Though the Eclipse 500 is a light aircraft, it can comfortably accommodate 5 people.
The Eclipse 500 has a lot to offer in terms of performance. Having a maximum cruise speed of 370 knots true airspeed and the ability to fly at an altitude of 41,000 feet, the 500 is highly competitive with other very light jets.
The body of the Eclipse 500 is just as important to its competitive advantage as its performance. Having a small all-aluminum frame, the aircraft is considerably lighter than most, giving it an advantage in fuel efficiency.
Another advantage Eclipse 500 has to offer is a rather stylish interior. All leather seats and stowable inboard armrests come in the LX edition. A work/dining table and cup holder come standard (the LX edition comes with three). Also, the cabin has all LED upper lighting. On the other hand, a rather contradictory disadvantage of this jet was the absence of a lavatory.
Eclipse Aerospace 500 Aircraft Data
- ICAO Code: EA50
- Manufacturer: Eclipse
- Class: Business Jet
- Crew: 1 or 2
- Passengers: 5
- Engines: 2
- Max Speed: 370 knots (425 mph, 685 km/h)
- MTOW: 5,950 lb (2,699 kg)
- Max Range: 1,125 nmi (IFR with 45 min NBAA reserve) (1,295 mi, 2,084 km)
General Characteristics:
- Length: 33 ft 1 in (10.1 m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft 3 in (11.4 m)
- Height: 11 ft 0 in (3.4 m)
- Empty weight: 3,550 lb (1,610 kg)
- Loaded weight: 5,520 lb (2,504 kg)
- Useful load: 2,400 lb (1,089 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 5,950 lb (2,699 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofan engines, 900 lbf (4 kN flat-rated to > ISA+10C) each
Performance Data:
- Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
- Rate of climb: 3,424 ft/min (1,044 m / min)
- Takeoff distance: 2,345 ft (715 m)
- Landing distance: 2,250 ft (686 m)
- Stall speed: 69 knots (79 mph, 128 km/h) in landing configuration