Dubai 2011: Eclipse set to start 550 production

Chairman Ekim Alptekin was in bullish form at the show as he outlined the timeframe for his pet project.

He said: “90% of the supply chain is in place. We are waiting for the magic number of 100 orders before we push the button but that should come soon.”

He added that he had taken 200% more orders than when he first came to the Dubai Airshow two years ago.
According to Alptekin, the recent investment by Sikorsky has speeded up the production process. Sikorsky will also provide global supply chain support. Production will take place in Poland and in Turkey by Alp Aviation based in Eskisehir. Final assembly will happen in Albuquerque.

The Eclipse 550 uses the same airframe and power plant as the EA-500 model, along with significant innovations in most of the aircraft’s systems designed to improve overall operations.

Enhancements include expanded aircraft computer systems and an integrated avionics package, which supports features such as synthetic vision, enhanced vision, dual-mode FMS, TAWS, TCAS-1, ADS-B, on-board colour radar, radar altimeter, and iPad data entry integration.

Priced at US $2,695,000, the very light jet is likely to prove popular with charter companies and flight training organisations. The company anticipates selling 50 to 100 aircraft per year with deliveries beginning in 2013.