GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
With more than 30 flights completed, Eclipse Aviation says that testing of its Eclipse 500 personal jet with interim engines has confirmed the aircraft's low-speed handling characteristics.
The aircraft, re-engined with Teledyne CAE turbojets, following the abandonment by Eclipse of the Williams International EJ22 turbofans, has been flown at speeds ranging from 67kt (124km/h) to 200kt and at altitudes of up to 17,500ft (5,300m).
The first aircraft is being used for aerodynamic testing while Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Eclipse waits for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F engine chosen to replace the EJ22, deliveries of which are planned to begin late next year.
Certification and first customer deliveries of the Eclipse 500 are now scheduled for the first quarter of 2006.
The first Eclipse, which made only a single flight in August last year with the underperforming EJ22s, resumed flight testing in March powered by modified drone engines.
The unpressurised aircraft is being used for low-speed, low-altitude tests. This will include an assessment of handling during stalls. Eclipse says that the aircraft exhibits little wing drop, no control-force lightening and no tendency for deep stall.
Initial systems evaluation is also being performed on the aircraft, including an examination of landing gear and flap operation, fuel system testing and engagement of the basic features of the Avidyne/BAE Systems Avio integrated avionics.
Source: Flight International
