VLJ (Very Light Jets)
Eclipse 400 ECJ
ICAO: E400
Overview
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.
Live Fleet Activity (EA50)
📡
Fetching live data…
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
Gallery
(/)
tap to zoom
(/)
Live fleet activity details
📡
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.