Eclipse Aviation introduces Eclipse 400 single-engine jet

Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced at its E-rrival customer event that it will start taking orders for the Eclipse 400 single-engine jet, a production version of the Eclipse Concept Jet first displayed at EAA AirVenture 2007. Eclipse Aviation is rewarding its many loyal Eclipse 500 customers by allowing them to be the first to place deposits on an Eclipse 400. Additionally, Eclipse 500 customers will receive an exclusive $125,000 discount off the final delivery price provided their deposits are placed prior to July 25, 2008. Deposits from all others will be accepted starting at EAA AirVenture in July 2008.

"Ten months of quantitative and qualitative Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) research has convinced us that this is absolutely the right airplane for the emerging single-engine jet market," said Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation president and CEO. "The ECJ has elicited a tremendous emotional response from current and potential customers alike - people just love this airplane. We are excited to formally add this new aircraft to the Eclipse Aviation product family as the Eclipse 400."

The Eclipse 400 continues the Eclipse tradition of bringing the most fuel-efficient jet airplanes to the marketplace. At an estimated 330 knots, the environmentally-friendly Eclipse 400 uses less than one pound of fuel per nautical mile - making it the world's most fuel-efficient jet aircraft.

The four-occupant Eclipse 400 jet cruises safely at 41,000 feet, or three miles above its closest competition. It will feature the most sophisticated flight deck and complete aircraft integration available in general aviation. Its robust V-tail design provides superior handling and it is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F, delivering unrivaled fuel economy.

The Eclipse 400 is priced at $1.35 million in June 2008 economics. Similar, single-turbine engine aircraft range from seven to 107 percent more expensive than the Eclipse 400. Deliveries for the Eclipse 400 are expected to begin in 4Q 2011.