First New-Build Eclipse 550 to Appear at NBAA Show

Mark Phelps

Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 07:56 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Eclipse Aerospace is launching its new Eclipse 550 light jet at the upcoming NBAA show, marking its successful return to aircraft manufacturing within four years.
The Eclipse 550 is an updated version of the original 500, integrating "Total Eclipse" program upgrades like refined Avio avionics, improved de-icing, and an upgraded interior, plus new features such as anti-lock brakes and optional synthetic/enhanced vision systems.
Marketed as the most technologically advanced light jet, it offers a 374-knot cruise speed, approximately 1,000 nautical miles range, single-pilot capability with up to six seats, and is priced at $2.7 million including a three-year warranty.

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Just four years after picking up the fragments of the old Eclipse company, Eclipse Aerospace will have the first all-new model on display at the NBAA show in Las Vegas next month.

The Eclipse 550 is based on the original 500 as modified by the new company’s “Total Eclipse” program. About 50 of the original 260 Eclipse 500s received the Total Eclipse upgrade, which includes refined Avio avionics, improved de-icing systems and an upgraded interior package. New-build Eclipse 550s will also have anti-lock brakes and further refined avionics with optional synthetic and enhanced vision systems.