Eclipse Aviation is creating a luxurious six-place, twin-turbofan aircraft that costs less than most used turbo-props. Powered by an extraordinary innovation from Williams International, the Eclipse 500 jet will revolutionize how - and what - people fly. The Eclipse 500 cruises at a brisk 355 kts, has a generous 1,300 nautical mile range (NBAA IFR, 4 occupants) and a 41,000 foot ceiling. It is more economical to own and operate than most of today's single engine pistons and all multi-engine pistons and turboprops. The direct operating costs of an Eclipse 500 add up to just $.56 a mile. That's one fourth the operating cost of a King Air and half that of a Baron. For those who don't want to pilot themselves, we anticipate that aircraft charter, complete with professional pilot, will typically be competitive with a full-fare airline ticket.

The Eclipse 500 jet is powered by the super-compact and super-efficient EJ22, a breakthrough innovation designed and manufactured exclusively for Eclipse by world-renowned Williams International. The EJ22 engine is a special, commercial version of the FJX-2 engine Williams demonstrated under a $100 million cost-sharing program with NASA, as part of NASA's General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) program. Weighing approximately 85 lbs, and delivering over 770 lbs. of thrust, the engine provides a higher thrust-to-weight ratio than any commercial turbofan ever produced. It is also the smallest, quietest and lightest commercial aircraft engine, and makes feasible a whole new class of twinjet light aircraft.

Low noise level : The quiet EJ22 will be welcome at small airports across America. Noise predictions have been conducted at Williams International, using the NASA noise program. Excellent correlations of predicted versus actual noise levels have previously been achieved with Williams International's FJ44-1 used on Cessna CJ1.

The Eclipse 500 features an all-glass cockpit with state-of-the-art avionics provided by Avidyne Corporation and BAE Systems. Multiple onboard computers provide redundancy while controlling and monitoring all aspects of the aircrafts performance and vital functions. By using standard software and hardware in an open architecture, Eclipse avionics will be powerful, cost-effective and highly flexible. The avionics suite features active-matrix color liquid crystal displays, presenting information such as attitude indication, speed, altitude, navigation data, engine parameters, weather depictions, autopilot settings, and more. The visual presentation of the data is clear and easy to understand, enabling the pilot to respond naturally and intuitively. The pilot's PFD, the MFD, and the co-pilot's PFD are all provided as standard equipment.

The Eclipse 500 will accommodate up to six adults in comfort.Standard configuration features five seats.

The three passenger seats are in a forward facing configuration. This 5-seat forward facing configuration provides the best space utilization of the cabin area.

A six-place version of the aircraft is available as an option. The four passenger seats face forward.

For those interested in a club seating configuration, a 5-seat semi club version is available as an option as well.

Details such as work tables, cup holders, and fold-down seats are built in to the Eclipse 500. The co-pilot seat, for instance, can be folded down and moved forward to provide a work surface for the pilot and to accommodate the 5-seat semi-club arrangement. A lavatory is available as an option. A refreshment center and other convenience options will also be available.

The cabin has been configured for 6-seat, 5-seat, 4-seat and 3-seat configurations.Each of these configurations has different opportunities for taking luggage.

The standard 5-seat configuration provides ample space for luggage.

In the 4-seat layout (2 in cockpit, 2 in cabin), the rear seats can be folded down, providing a flat surface on which to stack even more bags.

These baggage areas will be protected either by tie-downs or a baggage net from floor to ceiling.