Eclipse Aviation and Iridium Announce Mobile Satellite Products and Services for Eclipse 500
Share:
VLJ leader continues to increase safety and enhance customer experience through technology innovation
ORLANDO, Fla.- October 17, 2006 - Today Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), and Iridium Satellite announce that the Iridium mobile satellite communications system will be a standard offering on the Eclipse 500. Eclipse Aviation is an Iridium value-added manufacturer and reseller (VAM/VAR) for aeronautical satellite communication systems and service.
"Through our Iridium relationship and incorporation into the Eclipse 500 Avio Total Aircraft Integration system, we can capture all relevant aircraft data needed to monitor the health of the fleet and to understand the aircraft's operating trends in real time," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "This new Eclipse 500 feature is another example of our commitment to use today's technology advances to deliver a new level of General Aviation aircraft, and a customer service experience that lives up to the best of breed in other industries."
Eclipse will develop a digital datalink system incorporating the Iridium Satellite 9522A L-Band transceiver for the Eclipse 500. The system will transmit operational data anywhere in the world through Iridium's network of low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. This data will provide automatic OOOI (Out of Gate, Off Airport, On Airport, In Airport) times and engine trending information normally available to only larger commercial airlines. Air taxi operators will also use this system to record operational times, similar to the way airlines use the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) to track flights from gate departure to gate arrival. The architecture of the Eclipse 500 also allows real-time diagnostics data to be sent to the Eclipse flight operations center so that an Eclipse 500's fault code may be prioritized, even in flight.
"Eclipse is an exciting, innovative company on the cutting edge - which is a perfect marriage for Iridium's unique global communications network technology," said Matt Desch, chairman and CEO of Iridium Satellite. "Iridium is a perfect fit for aeronautical satellite communications to VLJs, with our low-drag, lightweight airborne equipment and seamless global connections. By partnering closely with Eclipse from early in the design process, we have been able to create a powerful satellite communication solution that's a real market differentiator."
Information transmitted by the Eclipse 500 includes operational data, timing of departures and arrivals, as well as data related to the maintenance status of the aircraft. The Eclipse 500 continually monitors the health of its systems and if there is an issue, the relevant data is sent to Eclipse immediately. This data can be used to assist the crew in flight as well as to accelerate return to service support. Customers enrolled in the JetCompleteTM program will enjoy the use of Eclipse Flight Support, an advanced preflight and enroute support service that assists with flight planning and in-flight monitoring. Aircraft data transmitted is sent to this support center where Eclipse briefers can review and then provide the crew with additional support resources.
"It's the ultimate extension of Crew Resource Management (CRM)," notes Raburn, "The point of CRM is to make use of all available resources, and having Flight Support notified of aircraft status provides the crew with greater assistance as if they were another crewmember."
JetComplete customers also realize value through comprehensive maintenance coverage, benefits of OneCall AOG (Aircraft On Ground) support, savings from fuel and insurance discounts, plus recurrent training and data services, which include navigational, chart and onboard weather data.
About Iridium Satellite
Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available. The Iridium constellation of 66 LEO, cross-linked satellites operates as a fully meshed network and is the largest commercial satellite constellation in the world. The Iridium service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, transportation and utilities. Iridium provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company also designs, builds and sells its services, products and solutions through a worldwide network of more than 100 partners.
About Eclipse Aviation
Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first certified very light jet, is in the business of designing, certifying and producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the transportation market. The company is applying advanced electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that cost half that of today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft.
The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation. Contact Eclipse at www.eclipseaviation.com.
Press Contact:
Andrew Broom
Eclipse Aviation
(505) 724-1369
andrew.broom@eclipseaviation.com
Press Contact:
Liz DeCastro
Iridium Satellite LLC
(301) 571-6257
liz.decastro@iridium.com
