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The Eclipse 500, the first of a new VLJ class
(Very Light Jet) of airplanes, recently made its first flight.
Powered by two PW610F jet engines developed under NASA's modern
lightplane inititative, The Eclipse has room for 6, and cruises
comfortably at biz-jet speeds up to 41,000 ft. Yet it costs less
than a new piston twin. The secret to its small size is the
extensive use of computerized systems, the lack of hydraulics
(which are heavy), and its one-piece welded aluminum structure.
But get this: the Eclipse is being certified for single-pilot IFR. It's intended to be part of a new type of commercial airline operation: a taxi-type of service, using free-flight RNAV navigation, with minimal security issues. Because of its small size, there will be no need for passenger security screening, and the air fares will be similar to full-size airliner fares. |