The Eclipse 400 ECJ represents a unique chapter in the history of aviation, particularly in the realm of very light jets (VLJs). Designed by Eclipse Aviation and developed in collaboration with Swift Engineering, the Eclipse 400 was intended to be a game-changer in personal aviation. With its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and affordability compared to other jets, the Eclipse 400 aimed to provide an accessible option for private jet owners. However, despite its promising features, the aircraft faced several challenges that ultimately led to its discontinuation.
In this article, we will explore the Eclipse 400 ECJ in detail, covering its development history, technical specifications, performance capabilities, and the market reception it received. We will also examine why this promising aircraft failed to achieve long-term success.
Development History
The Eclipse 400’s journey began as the Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ), which was first unveiled at the AirVenture show in Oshkosh in July 2007. The aircraft was designed as a smaller, single-engine sibling to the Eclipse 500, which had already garnered attention as a very light jet. The ECJ was developed in collaboration with Swift Engineering, a company known for its expertise in aerospace design and rapid prototyping. Remarkably, Swift Engineering managed to design and build the prototype in just 200 days.
The Eclipse 400 was initially conceived as a concept jet meant to explore the emerging market of single-engine VLJs. At the time of its unveiling, Eclipse Aviation did not intend to produce the aircraft but rather use it as a testbed for future innovations. However, due to strong interest from potential buyers and market demand for a more affordable jet option, Eclipse Aviation decided to move forward with plans for production.
In May 2008, Eclipse Aviation officially announced that it would begin taking orders for the production version of the ECJ under the name Eclipse 400. The aircraft was priced at $1.35 million, making it one of the most affordable jets on the market at that time. The company planned to begin deliveries by late 2011 if sufficient orders were placed.
Despite initial excitement surrounding the Eclipse 400, development was put on hold later in 2008 due to financial difficulties faced by Eclipse Aviation. The company eventually filed for bankruptcy in late 2008, halting all plans for further production of both the Eclipse 500 and Eclipse 400.
Design and Features
The Eclipse 400 was designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. It featured an all-composite airframe, which helped reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. The aircraft’s sleek design included a V-tail configuration, which not only contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency but also gave it a distinctive appearance compared to other jets in its class.
One of the standout features of the Eclipse 400 was its avionics system. The aircraft was equipped with Avio NG avionics, an advanced system that integrated all flight management functions into a single interface. This made flying the aircraft easier for pilots by reducing cockpit complexity and improving situational awareness.
Another key aspect of the Eclipse 400’s design was its engine configuration. Unlike most jets that use two engines for redundancy and power, the Eclipse 400 relied on a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F turbofan engine. This engine produced 1,200 pounds of thrust, which allowed the aircraft to achieve impressive performance metrics while keeping operating costs low.
The decision to use a single-engine configuration was part of Eclipse Aviation’s strategy to make the aircraft more affordable and accessible to private owners. However, this choice also raised concerns about safety and redundancy since most jets are designed with two engines for added reliability.
Performance Specifications
Despite its small size and single-engine configuration, the Eclipse 400 boasted impressive performance capabilities that made it competitive with other VLJs on the market:
- Max Cruise Speed: The aircraft could reach a maximum cruise speed of 345 knots (639 km/h) at altitudes up to 41,000 feet.
- Range: With a travel range of 1,256 nautical miles (2,326 kilometers) on a full tank of fuel, it offered enough range for medium-length trips without refueling.
- Fuel Economy: The fuel efficiency of this jet was notable at around 14.6 nautical miles per gallon (7.143 kilometers per liter).
- Service Ceiling: Its high service ceiling allowed it to fly above commercial air traffic at altitudes up to 41,000 feet.
- Takeoff Distance: The required takeoff distance for this jet was relatively short at just 742 meters (2,434 feet).
- Landing Distance: Similarly, landing required only about 850 meters (2,788 feet) of runway space.
These specifications made it clear that while compact and economical compared to larger jets like Gulfstreams or Learjets, the Eclipse 400 still packed significant performance capabilities suitable for private owners looking for efficient travel options.
Market Reception
When announced in May 2008 at an attractive price point of $1.35 million—far lower than competing models like Cirrus Vision SF50 or PiperJet—the market responded positively towards this new offering from Eclipse Aviation[1]. Many existing customers who had previously ordered an Eclipse500 opted into buying an additional unit or even traded their orders altogether toward acquiring this newer model[1].
However despite initial enthusiasm surrounding its launch within months after opening pre-orders financial troubles hit hard forcing company-wide restructuring efforts leading eventually towards bankruptcy
Citations:
[1] https://www.flightglobal.com/eclipse-nears-triple-digit-orders-for-eclipse-400-personal-jet/80845.article
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_400
[3] https://www.flyingmag.com/what-went-wrong-eclipse/
[4] https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/eclipse-avi/
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Eclipse 400 ECJ was designed to be a versatile, economical, and efficient aircraft, with performance characteristics that made it stand out in the very light jet (VLJ) category. Let’s take a closer look at the technical specifications and performance data of this aircraft.
Powerplant and Engine
At the heart of the Eclipse 400 is its single-engine configuration. The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW615F turbofan engine, which produces 1,200 pounds of thrust. This engine was a key factor in keeping the operating costs of the Eclipse 400 low, as single-engine jets typically consume less fuel and require less maintenance compared to twin-engine configurations. However, this also raised concerns about redundancy and safety, as most jets in this category rely on two engines for additional reliability.
The PW615F engine is part of Pratt & Whitney’s well-regarded PW600 series, which is known for its efficiency, reliability, and low emissions. The engine features full authority digital engine control (FADEC), which simplifies engine management for pilots and enhances safety by automatically adjusting engine performance based on flight conditions.
Avionics
The Eclipse 400 is equipped with the Avio NG avionics suite, an advanced system that integrates all major flight management functions into a single interface. This system was designed to reduce cockpit complexity and improve pilot situational awareness. Avio NG includes features such as:
- Flight management system (FMS)
- Autopilot
- Navigation systems
- Communication systems
- Engine monitoring
The avionics suite also includes a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, which provides pilots with a modern and intuitive interface for managing flight data. The G1000 system is widely used in general aviation aircraft and is known for its reliability and ease of use. It features large, high-resolution displays that provide critical flight information such as altitude, airspeed, navigation data, and engine performance metrics.
Performance Metrics
Despite its small size and single-engine configuration, the Eclipse 400 delivers impressive performance capabilities:
- Maximum Cruise Speed: The aircraft can reach a maximum cruise speed of 345 knots (639 km/h). This speed is competitive with other VLJs in its class and allows for quick travel between destinations.
- Range: With a travel range of 1,256 nautical miles (2,326 kilometers) on a full tank of fuel, the Eclipse 400 offers enough range for medium-length trips without requiring refueling. This makes it ideal for regional travel or trips between major cities within the same country.
- Fuel Economy: One of the standout features of the Eclipse 400 is its fuel efficiency. The aircraft achieves approximately 14.6 nautical miles per gallon (7.143 kilometers per liter), which is significantly more efficient than many other jets in its class. This fuel economy helps keep operating costs low for owners.
- Service Ceiling: The Eclipse 400 has a service ceiling of 41,000 feet, allowing it to fly above most commercial air traffic and avoid weather-related turbulence at lower altitudes.
- Takeoff Distance: The required takeoff distance for the Eclipse 400 is just 742 meters (2,434 feet). This relatively short takeoff distance makes it suitable for use at smaller airports with shorter runways.
- Landing Distance: Similarly, the landing distance required is only about 850 meters (2,788 feet). This capability allows the aircraft to land at smaller airfields or even grass or dirt strips in more remote locations.
Weights and Dimensions
The Eclipse 400 was designed to be lightweight yet spacious enough to accommodate up to four passengers comfortably. Here are some key weight and dimension figures:
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): The maximum takeoff weight is 2,177 kilograms (4,799 pounds).
- Maximum Payload: The aircraft can carry up to 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds) of payload.
- Exterior Length: The overall length of the aircraft is 8.84 meters (29 feet).
- Tail Height: The height from the ground to the top of the tail fin is approximately 2.69 meters (8.83 feet).
- Wingspan: The wingspan measures 10.98 meters (36 feet).
While compact compared to larger business jets like Gulfstreams or Learjets, these dimensions make the Eclipse 400 perfectly suited for personal use or small business travel.
Interior Comfort
Although small in size compared to larger business jets, the Eclipse 400 was designed with passenger comfort in mind. The cabin can accommodate up to four passengers in an economy-style seating arrangement. While there are no business or first-class seating options available due to space constraints, the cabin still provides ample room for passengers to travel comfortably on short-to-medium length flights.
The interior design of the Eclipse 400 can be customized according to personal preferences. Buyers had options for selecting materials such as leather seats and could choose from various color schemes for both the interior upholstery and exterior paint job.
Baggage Capacity
For an aircraft of its size, the Eclipse 400 offers a respectable amount of baggage space. It has a baggage volume capacity of approximately 0.5 cubic meters (18 cubic feet). While this may not be sufficient for large amounts of luggage or bulky items like golf clubs or skis, it should be adequate for typical personal travel needs.
Operational Flexibility
One of the key advantages of owning an Eclipse 400 is its operational flexibility. Thanks to its lightweight design and short takeoff/landing distances, this aircraft can operate from smaller airports that may not be accessible to larger jets. This opens up more options for private jet owners who want to avoid congested commercial airports or fly into remote locations with limited infrastructure.
Additionally, because it only requires one pilot to operate under both VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), owners who hold private pilot licenses can fly their own aircraft without needing additional crew members onboard.
Safety Considerations
While single-engine jets like the Eclipse 400 offer cost savings in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance costs compared to twin-engine jets, they also come with certain safety considerations that potential buyers need to keep in mind:
- In case of engine failure during flight—especially over water or mountainous terrain—there is no backup power source available as there would be on twin-engine jets.
- However despite these concerns Pratt & Whitney PW615F engines have proven track record reliability
Market Position and Competitors
The Eclipse 400 ECJ entered the market at a time when the very light jet (VLJ) segment was gaining traction. Several manufacturers were developing aircraft aimed at private owners, small businesses, and air taxi services that wanted a more affordable alternative to traditional business jets. The Eclipse 400 had a unique position within this market due to its single-engine configuration, low price point, and advanced avionics. However, it faced stiff competition from other VLJs that offered different features and performance capabilities.
Key Competitors
- Cirrus Vision SF50
- The Cirrus Vision SF50 is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Eclipse 400. Like the Eclipse 400, it is a single-engine jet designed for personal use. However, the SF50 has a slightly larger cabin and includes a built-in parachute system for added safety.
- Price: The Cirrus Vision SF50 is priced higher than the Eclipse 400, with a base price of around $2 million.
- Performance: The SF50 has a maximum cruise speed of 300 knots (556 km/h) and a range of 1,200 nautical miles (2,222 kilometers). While slightly slower than the Eclipse 400, it offers similar range capabilities.
- HondaJet HA-420
- The HondaJet is another competitor in the VLJ market, though it features a twin-engine configuration rather than a single engine like the Eclipse 400. It is known for its innovative over-the-wing engine mount design, which reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency.
- Price: The HondaJet is significantly more expensive than the Eclipse 400, with a price tag of around $4.5 million.
- Performance: The HondaJet has a maximum cruise speed of 422 knots (780 km/h) and a range of 1,223 nautical miles (2,264 kilometers). While faster than the Eclipse 400, it comes at a much higher cost.
- Embraer Phenom 100
- The Embraer Phenom 100 is another twin-engine VLJ that competes with the Eclipse 400. It offers more seating capacity and higher performance metrics but at a higher price point.
- Price: The Phenom 100 is priced at around $4 million.
- Performance: The Phenom 100 has a maximum cruise speed of 390 knots (722 km/h) and a range of 1,178 nautical miles (2,182 kilometers).
Strengths of the Eclipse 400
The Eclipse 400 had several features that made it an attractive option for buyers in the VLJ market:
- Affordability: Priced at just $1.35 million, the Eclipse 400 was one of the most affordable jets available at the time of its launch. This made it accessible to private owners who might not have been able to afford more expensive jets like the HondaJet or Phenom 100.
- Fuel Efficiency: With fuel economy figures of approximately 14.6 nautical miles per gallon, the Eclipse 400 was highly fuel-efficient compared to other jets in its class. This helped reduce operating costs for owners.
- Avionics: The inclusion of the Avio NG avionics suite and Garmin G1000 glass cockpit made flying the Eclipse 400 easier for pilots by reducing cockpit complexity and improving situational awareness.
- Single-Pilot Operation: The ability to operate the aircraft with just one pilot under both VFR and IFR conditions was another major selling point for private owners who wanted to fly their own jet without needing additional crew members.
Challenges Faced by the Eclipse 400
Despite its many strengths, the Eclipse 400 faced several challenges that ultimately contributed to its limited success:
- Single-Engine Configuration: While using a single engine helped reduce costs and improve fuel efficiency, it also raised concerns about safety and redundancy. Most buyers in the VLJ market preferred twin-engine jets for added reliability in case of an engine failure during flight.
- Limited Production Run: Due to financial difficulties faced by Eclipse Aviation, production of the Eclipse 400 was halted before it could gain significant traction in the market. Only a handful of units were ever produced before the company filed for bankruptcy in late 2008.
- Competition from Other VLJs: Although competitively priced, the Eclipse 400 faced stiff competition from other VLJs like the Cirrus Vision SF50 and HondaJet. These competitors offered additional features such as twin-engine configurations or safety systems like parachutes that appealed to buyers who were willing to pay more for added peace of mind.
Target Market
The primary target market for the Eclipse 400 included:
- Private Owners: Individuals who wanted their own personal jet for regional travel were a key demographic for this aircraft. Its low price point and ease of operation made it an attractive option for those who held private pilot licenses.
- Small Businesses: Small businesses looking for an affordable way to transport executives or clients between regional offices or meetings also saw value in the Eclipse 400’s cost-effective operation.
- Air Taxi Services: Another potential market for the Eclipse 400 was air taxi services that needed economical jets capable of short-haul flights between smaller airports or remote locations with limited infrastructure.
Customization Options
One of the appealing aspects of purchasing an Eclipse 400 was its customization options. Buyers could choose from various interior materials such as leather seats and select their preferred color schemes for both interior upholstery and exterior paint jobs.
Additionally, customers had some flexibility when it came to configuring their avionics setup based on personal preferences or specific mission requirements.
Why Did It Fail?
Despite initial excitement surrounding its launch and strong interest from potential buyers, several factors contributed to why this promising aircraft failed:
- Financial Instability at Eclipse Aviation: By late 2008—just months after announcing plans for production—the company faced severe financial difficulties due largely due mismanagement issues compounded by global economic downturn forcing them into bankruptcy restructuring efforts
The Downfall of the Eclipse 400 and Eclipse Aviation
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the Eclipse 400 and its potential to disrupt the very light jet (VLJ) market, the aircraft never reached full production. The story of the Eclipse 400 is closely tied to the financial troubles of its manufacturer, Eclipse Aviation, which ultimately led to the company’s downfall. In this section, we will explore the challenges that Eclipse Aviation faced, how these issues impacted the Eclipse 400 program, and what lessons can be learned from this ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful venture.
Eclipse Aviation’s Financial Struggles
Eclipse Aviation was founded with the goal of revolutionizing the aviation industry by producing affordable, high-performance jets in large volumes. The company’s first major project, the Eclipse 500, was a twin-engine VLJ that promised to deliver jet performance at a fraction of the cost of traditional business jets. However, despite initial success in securing orders and achieving FAA certification for the Eclipse 500, Eclipse Aviation quickly ran into financial difficulties.
One of the main issues was that the cost of producing an Eclipse 500 far exceeded the sale price. According to reports, it cost Eclipse more than twice as much to build each aircraft than what they were selling it for[3]. This resulted in significant financial losses for every unit delivered. Additionally, many early customers had contracts that locked in lower prices, meaning that even as production costs rose, Eclipse was unable to increase prices for those customers.
The company also faced delays in delivering fully functional aircraft. Many early deliveries were incomplete and required costly modifications to bring them up to promised specifications[3]. These factors contributed to a growing cash flow problem that would eventually lead to bankruptcy.
Impact on the Eclipse 400 Program
The financial struggles of Eclipse Aviation had a direct impact on the development and production of the Eclipse 400. Initially introduced as a concept jet in 2007 under the name Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ), the single-engine aircraft garnered significant interest due to its low price point and advanced features. By May 2008, Eclipse began taking orders for a production version of the ECJ, now officially named the Eclipse 400[1].
However, just months after announcing plans for production, Eclipse Aviation’s financial situation worsened. In August 2008, development of the Eclipse 400 was put on hold as the company struggled to secure funding and resolve supply chain issues[4]. By October 2008, it became clear that Eclipse had not even begun the certification process for the aircraft[1]. Customers who had placed deposits for the Eclipse 400 found themselves in limbo as the company failed to refund their money or provide any clear communication about the future of the program.
Bankruptcy and Legal Issues
In November 2008, Eclipse Aviation filed for bankruptcy, bringing an abrupt end to both the Eclipse 500 and Eclipse 400 programs. The company’s assets were sold off in January 2009 as part of a Chapter 7 liquidation process[1]. This included both completed aircraft and prototypes like the single-engine Eclipse 400.
The bankruptcy proceedings were complicated by legal disputes between customers and Eclipse Aviation. Many customers who had placed deposits for either an Eclipse 500 or an Eclipse 400 found themselves unable to recover their money. Court documents revealed that Eclipse had misappropriated funds collected from depositors, failing to escrow them as required by contract[1]. This led to lawsuits from disgruntled customers who sought compensation for their lost deposits.
Attempts at Revival
Following its bankruptcy, several attempts were made to revive both Eclipse Aviation and its aircraft programs under new ownership. In early 2009, a new company called Eclipse Aerospace was formed with plans to refurbish existing Eclipse 500 jets and potentially resume production of new aircraft[4]. However, despite these efforts, financial challenges continued to plague the company.
In April 2015, Eclipse Aerospace merged with Kestrel Aircraft to form a new entity called One Aviation[4]. One Aviation aimed to continue producing updated versions of the Eclipse jet (now branded as the Eclipse 550) while also developing new models like the larger Eclipse 700. Unfortunately, One Aviation faced many of the same financial difficulties as its predecessor and eventually filed for bankruptcy in October 2021 without ever resuming development of the Eclipse 400[1].
Lessons Learned from the Failure of Eclipse Aviation
The story of Eclipse Aviation and its ambitious attempt to revolutionize personal aviation offers several important lessons:
- Overambitious Production Goals: One of Eclipse’s core strategies was to produce jets at unprecedented volumes in order to drive down costs through economies of scale. However, this approach proved overly ambitious given both technical challenges and market demand. Producing thousands of jets per year while maintaining quality control and meeting regulatory requirements is a monumental task that requires significant capital investment—something that proved unsustainable for Eclipse.
- Pricing vs. Production Costs: Another key issue was that Eclipse priced its aircraft too low relative to production costs. While offering affordable jets helped generate initial interest from buyers, it also meant that each sale resulted in significant financial losses for the company. Without sufficient capital reserves or external funding sources willing to cover these losses indefinitely, this business model was unsustainable.
- Incomplete Deliveries: Delivering incomplete or underperforming aircraft further damaged customer trust in Eclipse Aviation. Many early buyers received jets that lacked promised features or required costly modifications after delivery—a situation made worse by delays in fulfilling these promises due largely due mismanagement issues compounded by global economic downturn forcing
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_400
[2] https://aerocorner.com/aircraft/eclipse-400-ecj/
[3] https://www.flyingmag.com/what-went-wrong-eclipse/
[4] https://simpleflying.com/eclipse-aviation-downfall/
[5] https://www.flightglobal.com/eclipse-nears-triple-digit-orders-for-eclipse-400-personal-jet/80845.article
[6] https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/eclipse-to-build-the-sej-single-engine-jet-eclipse-400/5459
[7] https://www.swiftengineering.com/product-development/eclipse-concept-jet/
Legacy of the Eclipse 400 and Eclipse Aviation
The story of the Eclipse 400 and its parent company, Eclipse Aviation, is a cautionary tale in the world of aviation. It highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with financial sustainability and serves as a reminder that even the most promising aircraft can falter if not supported by sound business practices. Despite its failure, the Eclipse 400 left an indelible mark on the aviation industry, influencing future developments in very light jets (VLJs) and contributing to ongoing discussions about the viability of single-engine jets for personal and business use.
The Aftermath of Eclipse Aviation’s Bankruptcy
After Eclipse Aviation filed for bankruptcy in November 2008, the company’s assets were sold off, and a new entity called Eclipse Aerospace was formed in 2009. This new company focused on refurbishing existing Eclipse 500 jets and providing support for current owners. However, despite efforts to revive the brand, Eclipse Aerospace faced many of the same financial challenges as its predecessor.
In 2015, Eclipse Aerospace merged with Kestrel Aircraft to form One Aviation, which aimed to continue producing updated versions of the Eclipse 500 (now branded as the Eclipse 550) while also developing new aircraft models. Unfortunately, One Aviation struggled to secure sufficient funding and faced slow sales, leading to its eventual bankruptcy in 2018. By 2021, One Aviation had entered Chapter 7 liquidation, marking the end of an era for the Eclipse brand.
Influence on Future Aircraft Development
Despite its commercial failure, the Eclipse 400 contributed valuable lessons to the aviation industry. Its innovative design elements, such as its single-engine configuration, composite airframe, and advanced avionics, helped pave the way for future developments in VLJs. Manufacturers like Cirrus and HondaJet have since incorporated similar technologies into their aircraft, albeit with more conservative production goals and pricing strategies.
The concept of a single-engine jet remains appealing to many private owners due to its lower operating costs and fuel efficiency. However, concerns about safety and redundancy continue to make twin-engine configurations more popular among buyers. The success of aircraft like the Cirrus Vision SF50, which includes additional safety features such as a built-in parachute system, demonstrates that there is still demand for small, economical jets—provided they offer sufficient safety assurances.
Lessons Learned
The rise and fall of the Eclipse 400 offer several important lessons for both aircraft manufacturers and investors:
- Realistic Production Goals: One of Eclipse Aviation’s key mistakes was setting overly ambitious production targets without fully understanding the complexities involved in scaling up aircraft manufacturing. Producing thousands of jets per year while maintaining quality control is a monumental task that requires significant capital investment and careful planning.
- Accurate Pricing: Another critical error was pricing the aircraft too low relative to production costs. While offering affordable jets helped generate initial interest from buyers, it also meant that each sale resulted in significant financial losses for the company. Without sufficient capital reserves or external funding sources willing to cover these losses indefinitely, this business model was unsustainable.
- Customer Trust: Delivering incomplete or underperforming aircraft damaged customer trust in Eclipse Aviation. Many early buyers received jets that lacked promised features or required costly modifications after delivery—a situation made worse by delays in fulfilling these promises. Maintaining customer trust is essential for any business, especially in industries where safety and reliability are paramount.
- Financial Management: The financial mismanagement at Eclipse Aviation was perhaps its biggest downfall. The company’s inability to control costs, coupled with its reliance on external funding sources that eventually dried up, led to its collapse. Future ventures in aviation must prioritize sound financial management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
The Eclipse 400 ECJ was an ambitious project that sought to revolutionize personal aviation by offering an affordable, high-performance jet for private owners and small businesses. While it boasted impressive specifications and innovative features, it ultimately fell victim to financial mismanagement and market challenges.
Despite its failure, the legacy of the Eclipse 400 lives on through its influence on subsequent VLJ designs and ongoing discussions about single-engine jet safety. The lessons learned from this aircraft’s development continue to shape how manufacturers approach new projects in this competitive industry.
As we look back at the story of Eclipse Aviation and its groundbreaking yet flawed vision for personal aviation, it serves as a reminder that innovation alone is not enough—successful ventures must also be grounded in realistic business strategies and sound financial practices.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_400
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Eclipse_Aviation
[3] https://www.eclipse.aero/eclipse/specifications/
[4] https://simpleflying.com/eclipse-aviation-downfall/
[5] https://www.flyingmag.com/what-went-wrong-eclipse/