The Eclipse 500, introduced in 2002, marked a groundbreaking innovation in the aviation world by establishing a new category known as the very light jet (VLJ). This twin-turbofan jet, born from the vision of Eclipse Aviation in Albuquerque, combines reliability, fuel efficiency, and elegance within a sleek and stylish design. While officially categorized as a light jet, the Eclipse 500 can comfortably seat up to six passengers, making it an ideal choice for individual owners or small-scale corporate needs.

Eclipse Aviation aimed to create a private jet that remained affordable, priced at less than $1 million, without compromising on performance or amenities. The journey, however, involved some trial and error. The Eclipse 500 embarked on its maiden flight in August 2002, initially equipped with Williams EJ22 fanjet engines, each delivering 770 pounds of thrust. Ongoing challenges led Eclipse to seek alternative engines.

Ultimately, Eclipse adopted the two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW610F engines, drawing inspiration from Cessna’s Citation Mustang’s PW615F. These engines, operating with a Full Authority Digital Electrical Control (FADEC) system, boast a formidable 900 pounds of thrust each. After identifying the ideal engine model, Eclipse announced the Eclipse 500’s release in 2006, albeit with a list price adjusted to $1.2 million.

Flying the Eclipse 500 is a breeze, courtesy of the AVIO Total Aircraft Integration system. AVIO simplifies the entire flying experience by seamlessly integrating and controlling every aspect of the aircraft, including engines, pressurization, electrical components, avionics, and dual-zone climate control. This system offers interactive and automatic controls, bearing similarities to Dassault’s EASy cockpit but with even greater integration.

The Eclipse 500 excels in performance, boasting a maximum cruise speed of 370 knots true airspeed and the capacity to reach an altitude of 41,000 feet. These attributes position the Eclipse 500 as a formidable contender among very light jets, competing favorably with models like the Citation Mustang and the Phenom 100. The Eclipse 500 can achieve speeds of up to 0.64 Mach.

However, it’s not just performance that sets the Eclipse 500 apart; its lightweight, all-aluminum frame plays a pivotal role in enhancing fuel efficiency, giving it a competitive edge.

Step inside the Eclipse 500, and you’ll discover a stylish interior. The cabin measures 148 inches in length, 50 inches in height, and 56 inches in width. Standard seats offer leather upholstery with outboard armrests, forward/aft adjustment, 85-degree fold-over functionality, 28-degree recline, and seatback pockets. For those seeking additional luxury, the LX edition boasts all-leather seats with stowable inboard armrests. A work/dining table and cupholder come standard, with the LX edition offering three cupholders. Illuminating the cabin is all-LED upper lighting.

The Eclipse 500 was nothing short of revolutionary in the world of very light jets, combining competitive performance, an innovative avionics system, and a sleek, comfortable design. For individuals or small companies seeking efficient and cost-effective air travel, the Eclipse 500 remains an exceptional choice.