550 | |
---|---|
Eclipse 550 | |
Role | Very light jet |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer |
Eclipse Aerospace One Aviation |
Status | Production completed (2017) |
Produced | March 2013-2017 |
Number built | 27 through 2016 |
Unit cost |
US$2,995,000 (2015)
|
Developed from | Eclipse 500 |
The Eclipse 550 is a development version of the Eclipse 500 initially built by Eclipse Aerospace and now One Aviation of Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. Like the 500, the 550 is a low-wing, six seat, twin engine jet-powered aircraft. The Eclipse 550 is certified for single-pilot operation.
The aircraft was announced at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Las Vegas, Nevada in October 2011. The first example was rolled out in March 2013 and the first customer delivery was on 22 October 2013.
In March 2017 the company announced that 550 production would end after four more aircraft are completed, to concentrate production on the new "Canada" model of the aircraft.
The 550 was developed from the earlier Eclipse 500, enabled by Sikorsky Aircraft's investment in Eclipse Aerospace in 2010. It retains the 500's airframe and PW610F engines, but incorporates an improved avionics package, including satellite phones, autothrottles, synthetic vision and enhanced vision systems, as well as anti-skid brakes.
In May 2012 the company signed a deal with Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec to have the Polish company build the Eclipse 550 fuselage, empennage and wings, while final aircraft assembly will be carried out by Eclipse Aerospace at their Albuquerque, New Mexico plant.
The initial price for the 550 in 2011 was US$2.695M and production was intended at that time to be 50-100 aircraft per year. The aircraft achieved an FAA production certificate in April 2012.