Eclipse 500

The very light jet built to make private jet travel more accessible.

Overview

Eclipse United States ICAO: EA50 2006–2008 Active $2.5 million (2018)

The Eclipse 500 was introduced in the 2000s as one of the first very light jets aimed at owner-pilots and small charter operators. Designed to reduce acquisition and operating costs, it helped define a new segment of business aviation. The aircraft combined compact dimensions with modern avionics.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney PW610F turbofan
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 900 lbf · 4 kN
Avionics
Avio Next Generation
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6 economy · 4 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
4 ft 8 in  ·  1.42 m
Cabin height
4 ft 2 in  ·  1.27 m
Cabin length
12 ft 4 in  ·  3.75 m
Exterior length
33 ft 2 in  ·  10.10 m
Tail height
11 ft 0 in  ·  3.35 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 10 in  ·  1.47 m
Wing span
37 ft 5 in  ·  11.40 m
Baggage volume
16 ft³  ·  0.5 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
5,750 lb  ·  2,600 kg
Max landing weight
5,400 lb  ·  2,450 kg
Max payload
2,250 lb  ·  1,050 kg
Fuel capacity
190 gal · 700 L · 600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
370 kt  ·  426 mph  ·  685 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
69 kt  ·  79 mph  ·  128 km/h
Range
1,125 nm  ·  1,290 mi  ·  2,080 km
Fuel burn
10.54 nm/gal  ·  5.16 km/L
Ceiling
41,000 ft  ·  12,500 m
Rate of climb
3,314 ft/min  ·  17 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,350 ft  ·  720 m
Landing distance
2,250 ft  ·  690 m
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N53WA Eclipse EA 500 KPDK Mar 2019

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Operational Context

Eclipse 500 — very light twin-engine business jet

The Eclipse 500 first flew in 2002 and entered service in 2006. Developed by Eclipse Aviation, the aircraft was conceived as part of a broader vision for on-demand air taxi networks. Engineers emphasized automation and simplified cockpit design to make jet operations more accessible to private owners.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofan engines producing approximately 900 pounds of thrust (4.0 kN) each power the aircraft. Cruise speed approaches 370 knots (685 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg), with seating typically for four to six occupants.

The Eclipse 500 attracted significant attention as one of the earliest very light jets to reach production. Financial challenges affected the original manufacturer, but the aircraft continued flying under new ownership and support programs. The design remains notable for helping establish the modern VLJ category.