Eclipse Concept Jet
First flown in 2007, the sleek Eclipse Concept Jet was a “Very Light Jet” prototype that flew but never reached production. Intended to compete with several other entrants to the emerging segment, it utilized a unique layout incorporating a single engine mounted in a dorsal pod and a large V-tail to keep the tail surfaces clear of the hot engine exhaust.
Unlike most other very light jets that tended to utilize larger, six-place cabins, Eclipse chose to design this aircraft around only four seats, on par with small single-engine piston aircraft. This translated to efficiency, with the small jet burning approximately 45 gallons per hour at 350 knots.
Despite receiving nearly 100 deposits for the Concept Jet, Eclipse faced financial difficulties and abandoned the program. They ultimately declared bankruptcy and restructured, leaving the sole Concept Jet to gather cobwebs in the corner of a hangar in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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