Eclipse 500
Eclipse Aviation · United States · first flew 2002 · light aircraft
The Eclipse 500 is a pioneering very light jet, a tiny twin-turbofan that helped define the VLJ class before its maker's financial troubles cut production short.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Very light jet with two tiny turbofans on the rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Very light jet with two tiny turbofans on the rear fuselage
- Low-set conventional swept tail rather than a T-tail
- Compact swept wing and a small, sleek six-seat cabin
Identify it by its very small size, the two diminutive rear-fuselage turbofans and, unusually for the layout, a low-set conventional swept tail rather than a T-tail.
Specifications
- The Eclipse 500 has a length of 10.08 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.35 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 685 km/h (426 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 pilots.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The prototype first flew on 26 August 2002, later re-engined with Pratt & Whitney PW610F turbofans and certified in 2006. Eclipse Aviation championed low-cost jet ownership and air-taxi use, but the company collapsed in 2008 before Eclipse Aerospace revived support and the improved Eclipse 550.
Variants
The line comprises the original Eclipse 500 and the later, factory-refined Eclipse 550 built by the successor company. Both share the same compact airframe.
Where you'll see it
A scarce but recognisable VLJ in the UK, the Eclipse operates with owner-flyers and small charter outfits and turns up at Farnborough and regional business airfields. Its low operating cost suits private European hops.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.