The Eclipse 500 flight-test effort is expected to move into high gear shortly with the introduction of the second test aircraft, N502EA, at the company's Albuquerque, New Mexico base.
By late January eight test sorties had been amassed by the first test aircraft, N503EA, which is primarily aimed at mechanical systems check-out. Using this aircraft, however, Eclipse has already expanded the flight envelope down to 98kt (181km/h) and up to 230kt and 16,800ft (5,100m), declaring the handling characteristics to be generally benign and docile.
Tests include multiple landing gear retractions and extensions that were completed at various speeds between 110kt and 200kt.
Emergency gear extension was also tested as part of the overall systems evaluation, which will also include tests of the electrical, fuel, braking and steering systems, as well as the Avio avionics suite. The second airframe, the prime aerodynamic test vehicle, is due to join the programme by the middle of the month and will be used to perform stalls and more extreme handling work. The first flap deployments will, however, be made using N503EA, which will test the flight envelope down to the buffet boundary.
Flutter tests are provisionally scheduled for completion around mid-March, with engine inlet icing and load flight tests set for completion in April.
Eclipse also reveals that it has negotiated with the US Federal Aviation Administration to slip type inspection authorisation from the original due date of 1 February to 30 June this year.
The two early flight-test aircraft will be joined by three more flight and "beta" test aircraft by the end of April, as part of a test effort scheduled to culminate with the first deliveries to customers in March 2006.
Meanwhile, Eclipse says customers that place an order this month will receive a free interior upgrade to the LX Edition. Valued at $39,500, the package includes wool carpet, all-leather seats, wood trim and increased soundproofing.
Source: Flight International
