Eclipse Update: A Decorator’s Delight…

Even though Eclipse Aviation hasn’t completed building all of its certification and production prototypes, it has gone so far as to detail the interior designs and optional furnishings for the forthcoming Eclipse 500. According to a company press release, its recent decisions “reflect the company’s unmatched ability to deliver personal aircraft to suit owners’ needs from practical to luxury, all at a breakthrough price.” Eclipse purchasers will be able to choose from four interior color schemes, designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA exclusively for Eclipse for the company. Using names like “Diablo,” “Sahara,” “Slate” and “Cayenne,” Eclipse described its interior designs in tones worthy of home decorating and lifestyle maven Martha Stewart — if Stewart did airplanes and if she wasn’t awaiting results of her appeal on a conviction of lying to investigators.

But if the four color schemes aren’t enough for you or others with a deposit on an Eclipse, there’s more: Like a Plymouth, they come in two trim levels, Standard and LX Editions. According to Eclipse, the LX Edition includes “all-leather seats with lumbar support, sheepskin inserts for cockpit seats, wool carpet, whisper-quiet soundproofing, AC power outlets, adjustable sun visors, cockpit/cabin privacy curtain, wood accent strips, additional lighting, and exclusive striping schemes.” Also available, no matter the trim level, are an entertainment system, a lavatory package, a sixth seat, a refreshment center, soundproofing and ashtrays. Eclipse says it recently partnered with C&D Aerospace for production of the interiors and signed a long-term contract with Seamech International, which will design and manufacture the Eclipse 500 cabin and crew seats.