Eclipse has major modifications in the works for its E550 jet, the company announced at EAA AirVenture this week, including a bigger wing, an engine upgrade and the option to install a Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The new model, dubbed “Canada,” will carry more fuel, extending the range to 1400 nm, and payload will increase by 475 pounds. The twin-engine jet will be powered by a flat-rated version of Pratt & Whitney’s PW615, adding an extra boost to performance.
The new version will have a 24 percent shorter takeoff requirement, and will climb to FL400 in 47 percent less time, the company says. The new wing will retain most of its current structure, but a new section will be added at the root, and the tip tanks will be eliminated and replaced with upswept tips, reducing drag. The tail surface also will be slightly larger. The Canada is expected to fly in 2018 and start deliveries the following year. It will sell for about $3.5 million.
