Eclipse Aerospace announced completion of a new windshield design application for its EA500 business jet that will better dissipate precipitation static. The new, FAA-certified design consists of a thin carbon strip that is bonded to the windshields of existing EA500 twinjets. The strip creates a conductive path for precipitation static, which diverts potential electrical energy fields away from the airplane.
“The new diverter strip replaces the previous chemical-based application, which was hard to apply and difficult to maintain,” said Ken Ross, president of Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Global Service and Support Division. “We are pleased to finalize this part of the Eclipse Jet service offerings to our customers, who are enthusiastic about the new windshield application.”
Besides the windshield diverter, Eclipse also announced the successful completion of the engineering requirements addressing an existing airworthiness directive restricting flight to 37,000 feet. Eclipse says it is testing modifications and has completed the final design; certification is expected before the end of 2010. Once these modifications are made, Eclipse jets can return to operations at the EA500’s service ceiling of 41,000 feet.
Learn about more improvements to the jet in “ Mods and mends” in the October 2010 AOPA Pilot.
