Aircraft
Eclipse gathers itself for projected first flight
“Its time has come,” predicted Eclipse Aviation CEO Vern Raburn.

“Its time has come,” predicted Eclipse Aviation CEO Vern Raburn. “It” refers to the entry-level twinjet known as the Eclipse 500, currently priced at $837,500 (2000 $). And if all goes as planned, Raburn will see his bold vision take flight before next month ends.

The first of eight test Eclipse 500s is quickly coming together at the company’s Albuquerque, N.M. plant. At press time, S/N 100’s fore and aft fuselage had taken shape, and the first set of wings were under assembly. A set of engines are to be delivered this month.