Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the new Eclipse Aviation Weather Radar System. The advanced color radar was designed by Eclipse and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC). Moving forward, JRC, a leader in developing wireless and radar technologies, will manufacture and supply all radar components for the Eclipse 500 Jet.

"The Eclipse Aviation Weather Radar System is another example of Eclipse's ability to develop and certify complex technologies that continuously improve the value of our products," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "JRC has been an exceptional partner in the design and launch of this next-generation system, and we are pleased to offer Eclipse 500 pilots the outstanding situational weather awareness it delivers."

The Eclipse Aviation Weather Radar System provides tactical radar information on the Eclipse 500's primary flight displays and integrates seamlessly with Avio NG, the aircraft's integrated avionics and systems management system. Eclipse's new radar provides equivalent reliability and functionality to that of the existing Eclipse 500 weather radar.

FAA certification occurred simultaneously with the incorporation of the new weather radar on the Eclipse 500 production lines, an accomplishment rarely seen in the industry. The first Eclipse 500 jet to feature the new Eclipse Aviation Weather Radar System received certification of airworthiness on February 23, 2008.