Any news from Eclipse 500 Jets operating in EU?
Guest
Posts: n/a
Different
The original Eclipse was to have been an all-composite Williams powered breakthrough. It quickly became an all aluminum standard technology compromise with some initial hype blending into its eventual certification and release. Of course its a fine aircraft, but there are myriad disappointments related to PR and marketing.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Location: Location:
Age: 54
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shandini
Indeed, thought it was strange, the lack of accuracy (in the story) could well be down to me it was some years ago. I was far more interested in bullying the guy into the corner and making him explain why the whole arse end of my aircraft had to be festooned with Vortex Generators !!!!!!
Best Regards
Indeed, thought it was strange, the lack of accuracy (in the story) could well be down to me it was some years ago. I was far more interested in bullying the guy into the corner and making him explain why the whole arse end of my aircraft had to be festooned with Vortex Generators !!!!!!
Best Regards
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA
Age: 48
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not doubting the veracity of your story. I was just pointing out that it's tougher than it sounds to do that kind of comparison and that's probably why they got a smaller number than expected.
Oh and your mention of VGs reminded me of another reason for an apparently low tail volume. While your VGs were probably a fix to something found late in the test program, for some inexplicable reason, the Eclipse tailfeathers were festooned with Gurney tabs straight from the drawing board. The aero mods I mentioned earlier included 86ing the Gurneys and increasing the chord of all the control surfaces by about 3". That reduced drag quite a bit, but the effective tail volume is about the same.
On a side note, I wonder how much money Dan Gurney would have made had he patented his idea?
Oh and your mention of VGs reminded me of another reason for an apparently low tail volume. While your VGs were probably a fix to something found late in the test program, for some inexplicable reason, the Eclipse tailfeathers were festooned with Gurney tabs straight from the drawing board. The aero mods I mentioned earlier included 86ing the Gurneys and increasing the chord of all the control surfaces by about 3". That reduced drag quite a bit, but the effective tail volume is about the same.
On a side note, I wonder how much money Dan Gurney would have made had he patented his idea?
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is not a perfect aircraft.... in fact... there are many well documented issues with it as we all know....
But... how many aircraft in the world can do Blackpool to Amsterdam Schipol in 1:02 burning 552 lbs of fuel?
I'm not going to go on and on trying to defend it, because I know that is a lost cause on this or any other forum....but it certainly has some good points.
D Spot..... you know where one lives.... come round some time... I'll show you a few of it's bits and pieces.... You can stand next to it and we can measure the tail and I'll even show you some C of G figures.
Stassiebal.
But... how many aircraft in the world can do Blackpool to Amsterdam Schipol in 1:02 burning 552 lbs of fuel?
I'm not going to go on and on trying to defend it, because I know that is a lost cause on this or any other forum....but it certainly has some good points.
D Spot..... you know where one lives.... come round some time... I'll show you a few of it's bits and pieces.... You can stand next to it and we can measure the tail and I'll even show you some C of G figures.
Stassiebal.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MAN
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gurney did not patent it as it was already patented by Zaparka in 1935, before Gurney was even born:
http://patimg1.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=...iew+first+page
Should really be called a Zaparka flap.
http://patimg1.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=...iew+first+page
Should really be called a Zaparka flap.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eclipse 500 luggage (or not!)
was amazed to hear it can barely cope with hand luggage. Was talking to a US operator for a quote the other day, who told me that a very small duffle bag is all the Eclipse would manage. Not even a small overnight bag each for 3 pax?! Don't think I will be chartering this jet much...
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Citation - migration
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
onecharter are offering one of these from January 2009. Also their website offers a Cirrus SR 22. I heard a little about it but wondered if this ever started commercial ops?
