Hello!
I have read with much interest the article on the Eclipse Aerospace EA500, by Robert Goyer which makes a good account of recent and past events; neverthless I, as engineer am interested in thechnical and economic info so i would like to ask to Goyer or somebody else the info that the article lacks. These are:
1)The price listed is the of the airplane refurbished but at least approximately how much it will cost totally new with zero flight hours.
2) it is reported an hourly cost of $600 but how much is the hourly fuel consumption; only 900 lb of thrust sould result in a low fuel consumption.
3) why is the fuselage tapered toward the tail? Is it to keep the wheight low?
And I think that Eclipse should abandon the sidesticks which they adopted for economical reason for conventional yokes.
After all, I think this is a beatiful airplane and a very nice novelty!
Antonio - Italy
All Comments
Antonio,
I am an Eclipse pilot familiar with the aircraft.... maybe I can answer your questions. By the way, the Eclipse is the most fun to fly of any aircraft that I have ever flown. It is whisper quiet inside and out and everyone loves to travel in it. It is truly a pilot's aircraft with a great Primary and Multifunctional Displays that now include an FMS with charts on the MFD. It is easy to fly with the least maintenance required in the business.
1. Because Eclipse production has not restarted as of this date, there are no published prices for a new aircraft; however, my guess is that, when production starts up, a new aircraft would cost in the $2.5 million range; therefore, a refurbished low time aircraft with a factory new warranty at $2.15 million is a good buy.
2. The Fuselage is tapered to reduce weight and drag permitting this aircraft to blow by Cessna Mustang. It will out climb (3400 feet/min at gross wt) and out run the Mustang.
3. The Eclipse is 30Ks faster than the Mustang and we burn 30% less fuel while operating at 30% less hourly cost, carrying the same load over the same distance. As a matter of fact Cessna, with much fan-fare, made a trip from Hartford Conn to ATL in 2:15 minutes claiming a new speed record for the Mustang. Eclipse then did the same flight in 1:56 minutes while burning much less fuel with the identical same load.
4. You could buy a Mustang, which is 2,500 lbs heavier and about $1 million more that flys slower. The Eclipse has the least amount of maintenance of any twin jet ever built. There is nothing to lube as the aircraft has no zerk fittings or anything to lube as all bearings are sealed. Required inspections are done every 2 years or 300 hours. Just add Jet A and go.
Hope this helps,
JD
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