One Aviation revealed on 24 July two new features of the Project Canada revamp of the Eclipse 550 very light jet, but the company’s chief executive still insists the programme is a relatively simple upgrade package.
The Project Canada package for the rebranded Eclipse 700 now includes electrochromic dimmable windows supplied by PPG Aerospace and lithium-ion batteries provided by Acme Aerospace, says Alan Klapmeier, chief executive of One Aviation, a company that manages Eclipse 550 production as well as development of the single-engined Kestrel turboprop.
The new features add to Project Canada’s extensive list of modifications, which also include a 14in (35.5cm) fuselage stretch and a 1.2m (4ft) wingspan extension. One Aviation also is re-engining the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans on the Eclipse 550 with Williams International FJ33 engines for the Eclipse 700. Finally, the Eclipse 700 will feature a Garmin G3000 touchscreen flight deck system, replacing a bespoke system installed in the Eclipse 550.
The modifications mean the Eclipse 700 will “create a different market segment” beyond the very light jet category, Klapmeier says.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
