The first production Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet, which is on display at the National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition in Las Vegas, is a shining example of the world-class finish achieved with an advanced coatings system by PPG Industries’ aerospace coatings group for the fleet.
Eclipse Aerospace selected the PPG Aerospace system to provide customers with superior weight savings for enhanced aircraft fuel efficiency, durability for extended service life, and outstanding gloss and color retention.
Eclipse Aerospace selected the PPG Aerospace coatings system that will be used on every Eclipse 550 jet to provide superior weight savings for enhanced aircraft fuel efficiency, durability for extended service life, and outstanding gloss and color retention. (Photo Courtesy Eclipse Aerospace)
“Eclipse Aerospace is pleased to offer our Eclipse 550 customers the superior exterior coating system provided by PPG Aerospace,” said Edward Lundeen, Eclipse Aerospace senior vice president, business operations. “The economics of PPG’s coating system, combined with their excellent technical support, simplified our selection decision. The decision to move away from chromate-based paint to a chromate-free product has reduced our environmental exposure and resultant costs while providing a safe work environment for our personnel.”
DESOTHANE(R) HD/CA 9000 series basecoat/clearcoat and DESOPRIME(R) 7502E chromate-free primer by PPG Aerospace are qualified for production aircraft at Eclipse and will be used on every Eclipse 550 jet, according to Kevin Brooks, PPG global segment manager, original-equipment aerospace coatings.
“PPG and Eclipse collaborated to develop a coatings system that provides the most advanced technology and superior finish available today,” Brooks said. “We are dedicated to supplying Eclipse with a coatings system that sets the standard for weight reduction and supports the need for lower operating costs. Furthermore, we are proud that Eclipse has become one of the first airframe manufacturers to qualify and use this PPG system.”
High-solids, chromate-free Desothane HD/CA 9000 series basecoat/clearcoat consists of a heavily pigmented basecoat that provides color in one coat, instead of the typical two or three coats, saving material, weight and application time. The clearcoat provides extended service life, improved buffability and a smother surface that is easier to clean.
The NBAA convention and exhibition takes place Oct. 22 to 24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants, and packaging and application systems. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies.
About Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. is the manufacturer of the Eclipse 550 Twin-Engine Jet, the most fuel-efficient jet in the world. Eclipse also provides engineering, maintenance, service, and support for the fleet of 260 Eclipse 500 aircraft. Adhering to the motto “Customer First,” Eclipse Aerospace is focused on providing a superior customer experience for existing and future owners, operators, and pilots of the revolutionary Eclipse Jet. Eclipse Aerospace corporate offices are based in Charleston, S.C. Principal operations are located in Albuquerque, N.M. and Chicago, Ill. For more information: www.ECLIPSE.aero.
PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Sales in 2012 were $15.2 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPGIndustries on Twitter.