ECLIPSE 500 UPGRADES OVERVIEW
Eclipse 500 avionics upgrades focus on adding features from the improved Eclipse 550, including Synthetic Vision (SVS), Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), Autothrottles, and radar altimeters. Several companies offer FAA-approved packages for these upgrades, such as IS&S and Avilution. There are also comprehensive programs like the Eclipse Special Edition (SE), which significantly updates the 500 to near-550 standards with new flight management systems and other enhancements.
Key Avionics Upgrades Available
- Synthetic Vision System (SVS) & Enhanced Vision System (EVS): Provides pilots with a 3D graphical representation of terrain and obstacles, improving situational awareness.
- Autothrottles: Allows for automated throttle control, operating down to approach minimums, reducing workload and improving efficiency.
- Traffic Alerting Systems (TAS): Enhances traffic detection and alerting.
- Radar Altimeter: Provides precise altitude information above the ground.
- Improved Flight Management Systems (Avio IFMS): Modernizes the cockpit with enhanced performance and situational data display.
- Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS): Alerts pilots to potential terrain conflicts.
- Anti-Skid Brakes: Increases safety during landing.
Programs and Providers
- Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S): Offers FAA-approved SVS and Autothrottle upgrade packages.
- Avilution: Has received FAA approval for an avionics upgrade to modernize the Eclipse 500's cockpit interface, working with Skytron Avionics.
- Eclipse Special Edition (SE): A program from One Aviation (the successor to Eclipse Aerospace) that upgrades the 500 to near-550 standards.
- Original Manufacturer & Dealers: Companies like Business Jet Traveler suggest speaking to providers like Albuquerque, who have experience with these upgrades, to discuss pricing and options.
How to Get More Information
- Contact third-party providers like IS&S and Avilution for their specific packages.
- Check out resources from Eclipse Aerospace for modification bulletins and information on available upgrades.
- Join pilot forums, such as the Eclipse Jet Facebook group, to connect with owners and gather advice on upgrade