The Eclipse 500, or model EA500, is a very light jet (VLJ) initially manufactured by Eclipse Aviation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The company was established in 1998 with the aim of developing the 1997 Williams V-Jet II demonstrator. The prototype conducted its inaugural flight using Williams EJ22 turbofans on August 26, 2002. Subsequently, the engines were upgraded to Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610Fs in 2004. Eclipse Aviation's design efforts were recognized with the Collier Trophy in February 2006. Provisional FAA type certification was granted on July 27, 2006, and the first delivery took place on December 31, 2006.
This six-seat aircraft features an all-metal airframe, a T-tail, and straight wings. Its propulsion is provided by two turbofan engines housed in aft fuselage-mounted nacelles.
Production of the Eclipse 500 ceased in October 2008 due to financial constraints, following the delivery of 260 aircraft. Eclipse Aviation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 25, 2008, and subsequently entered Chapter 7 liquidation on February 24, 2009. In August 2009, Eclipse Aerospace acquired Eclipse Aviation's assets and announced the Eclipse 550 update in October 2011. Eclipse Aerospace later merged into One Aviation in April 2015. However, One Aviation also faced financial difficulties and entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in February 2021.
AML Global Eclipse remains committed to providing support for all Eclipse aircraft.
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9 май 2024
