After more than two years of secrecy, Eclipse Aviation president and chief executive Vern Raburn has revealed the status of the Eclipse 500 orderbook, disclosing firm orders for 1,357, and options on a further 715.
The company, which has secured more than $65 million in non-refundable deposits, plans a dramatic ramp-up in production from January 2004 when first customer deliveries are due to begin. In the first full year around 140 aircraft will be delivered, with 500 in 2005, 900 in 2006 and up to 1,500 in 2007.
Eclipse says the first two-and-a-half years of production have been sold out, and anyone placing a deposit at the NBAA show would secure a delivery position by mid-2006.
Despite the fresh funds released through passing the first flight milestone, and additional financing raised in the interim, Eclipse still needs around $65 million to reach certification. The company also needs an additional $45 million to achieve positive cash flow, but "we are in a lot better shape than we've been for a long time," says Raburn.
An important step towards production includes the appointment by the US Federal Aviation Administration of the company as an Organizational Designated Airworthiness Representative. This authorises Eclipse to train, nominate and manage its own designated airworthiness representative.
Flight tests of the first aircraft are expected to restart late this month, with the delivery of improved Williams International EJ22 engines with higher power and improved efficiency. Raburn says the deficiencies are related to the 5,000ft (1,500m) low-density altitude of the company's Albuquerque base in New Mexico.
Source: Flight International
