Summary
- The Eclipse 550 features an auto-throttle system, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety.
- The dual diversity IFMS makes piloting the Eclipse 550 simpler and safer with advanced electronic displays.
- The Eclipse 550 has lower noise and carbon emissions compared to other twin-engine aircraft in the market.
The Eclipse 550 is a light twin-engine het designed and developed by Eclipse Aerospace. With a capacity of up to five passengers, the jet can fly a range of 1,125 NM (1,295 miles, 2084 km). The jet has a maximum speed of 370 knots (430 mph, 690 km/h). As highlighted by Eclipse Aerospace, this article explores the unique features of the jet.
1
Auto-throttle system
First auto throttle system on a light jet
| Other safety features |
| Redundant IFMS |
| Dual Diversity Transponders |
| Standby Display Unit |
| Color Radar |
| Stormscope |
One of the unique features of this very light jet is the autothrottle system. In the auto flight system, the autothrottle is set to the appropriate power settings. If the airspeed is not maintained, the autothrottle will kick in, physically adjusting the thrust lever.
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For example, if the aircraft goes into a stall due to a reduced speed selected by the pilot, the system will adjust the throttle to the appropriate power settings to recover from the stall. While minimizing the pilot workload, it is also a safety feature that reduces the risk of catastrophic events.
2
Dual Diversity IFMS
The system acts as a virtual autopilot
| The IFMS Includes |
| Airways and Victor Routes |
| Easy Insertion of Waypoints |
| Easy Insertion of Holding Patterns |
| Active Waypoint Information |
| Missed Approach Information |
| Nearest / On-Route Airports |
| Storage for 99 Flight Plans |
The Dual Avio Integrated Flight Management System (IFMS) aims to provide virtual company to the single pilot in the cockpit. The intuitive system makes piloting the Eclipse 550 simpler and safer. According to the manufacturer,
“By reducing the number of switches and dials in the cockpit and creating an easy-to-use synoptic page for each aircraft system, the design team at Eclipse has simplified the act of flying by producing pilot controls that are more intuitive.”
The pilot can access the most advanced IFMS of any light jet. The state-of-the-art electronic displays support the IFMS while offering enhanced situational awareness and control through signals and alerts.
3
Dual channel FADEC System
It has the inherent ability to detect malfunctions
| Dual Channel Philosophy | Channel A | Channel B |
| Normal operation | Active | Standby |
| Malfunction detected? | Standby | Active |
The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW610F Turbofan engines, each providing 900 pounds of takeoff thrust. The Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) features electronic channels for controls instead of pneumatic and hydraulic inputs.
The engine features a dual electrical channel philosophy where one channel is active, and the other is a standby channel. If a critical malfunction is detected on the active channel, the standby channel kicks in.
A digital fault tolerance system ensures the problem is detected, and corrective actions are communicated. According to Eclipse Aerospace,
“Compact and lightweight, the PW610F is built with a simplified design that uses fewer parts than a conventional turbofan, making it easy and economical to maintain. Capable of delivering 900 pounds of take-off thrust, the PW610F incorporates the latest technology to deliver highly fuel-efficient power with low carbon emissions. It also comes equipped with dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) which translates into reduced pilot workload.”
4
The PPG Paint
A single coat reduces weight and enhances fuel efficiency
| Most light jets require | Two to three coats of paint |
| Eclipse 550 | One coat of paint |
Aircraft manufacturers precisely calculate the weight of the paint applied to aircraft. Too much paint can make aircraft heavy and reduce fuel efficiency. Too little, and the airframe becomes prone to great wear due to weather and varying environmental effects. According to the company,
“Eclipse Aerospace implemented the high-solids, chromate-free Desothane HD/CA 9000 series basecoat. The PPG paint consists of a highly pigmaged basecoat, enabling colors in a single coat. Most aircraft generally require two to three coats depending on variety factors.”
Using a single coat of paint, the Eclipse 550 achieves weight savings, greater fuel efficiency, and lower downtime (paint application time). The clear coat also provides a smoother surface while improving buffability. The corrosion and wear-resistant material provides extended service life.
5
Lower noise and carbon emissions
The Eclipse 550 is designed for sustainability
| Stage 3 Noise Standards | 89 to 109 dB |
| Stage 4 Noise Standards | 79 to 99 dB |
| Stage 5 Noise Standards | 72 to 92 dB |
| Eclipse 550 Noise | As low as 39 dB |
Eclipse Aerospace claims that the 550 jet emits the least amount of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and mono-nitrogen oxide compared to other twin-engine aircraft in the market. Moreover, the engine smoke and noise are significantly suppressed in the Eclipse Jet.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all large commercial aircraft to comply with Stage 3 noise standards. Depending on the number of engines, aircraft weight, and the phase of flight, aircraft with Stage 3 noise standards generate 89 to 109 decibels. The FAA recommends more stringent Stage 4 standards, 10 dB quieter, for aircraft built after 2015.
Eclipse Aerospace claims that the Eclipse 550 Jet is significantly quieter than the Stage 4 standards. According to the manufacturer,
“We also considered noise pollution, both inside and outside of the cabin: the Eclipse Jet is a full 40 dB quieter than the world’s most stringent Stage 4 noise requirements, meaning you can have comfortable conversation while landing at airports which restrict aircraft based on engine noise.”
What are your thoughts on the unique features of the Eclipse 550 aircraft? Share your opinion in the comments section.
