Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced that is has completed development of a next-generation Eclipse Aviation Weather Radar System. Designed by Eclipse Aviation, the system will be manufactured by Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC), which will also supply the radar components. The Eclipse Aviation color weather radar system allows Eclipse to continue to deliver the best value proposition in aviation by eliminating the need for an outside source of components.

The Eclipse Aviation color weather radar system is comprised of an antenna subsystem, which includes the antenna and pointing control motors, and the radar electronics subsystem, which includes the transmitter, receiver, signal processing and interface functions.

"This color weather radar system will provide pilots with exceptional weather situational awareness," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "JRC is a leading manufacturer of aviation and communication equipment, and we are pleased to partner with them to continue Eclipse's guiding principle of innovation and ensuring the Eclipse 500 value proposition.

" The new advanced color weather radar system will provide enhanced robustness and reliability in weather monitoring for Eclipse 500 pilots. The system is projected to deliver a significant increase in Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) rates, and creates cost efficiencies that will translate into lower operating costs for customers. All the interfaces and information displayed on the radar are more accurate than the previous system. The system integrates seamlessly with Avio NG, providing tactical radar information to pilots on the Eclipse 500's Primary Flight Displays.

Founded in 1915, JRC currently employs nearly 3,800 people and is based in Tokyo, Japan. The company develops aviation equipment including airport surveillance radars, air traffic control simulators, terminal approach trainers, airfield approach control simulators and air navigation aids trainers. As one of the leading companies in the field of wireless and radar technologies, they specialize in marine electronics for communication, navigation, fishing and farming, and leisure. JRC has also been a large part of the Japanese aviation community for many years, producing airport radar systems and radar altimeters for Japanese military aircraft.

"We are excited to expand our partnership with Eclipse to manufacture this progressive new weather radar," said Yorihisa Suwa, president of Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) "Like Eclipse, we believe in putting the needs of customers first and applying our creative powers to the development of innovative products. These shared philosophies have allowed us to collaborate on a radar system that is sure to delight Eclipse 500 customers and greatly enhance their flying experience."