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The Echelon incorporates advanced technologies to redefine the light jet category. Its composite fusel- age, primarily made of carbon fiber, provides an optimized cabin shape compared to traditional tubular aluminum structures.
The consistent fuselage cross-section and complex 3D laminar flow design, facilitated by the use of composites, maximize cabin and baggage space. Outside of the Beechcraft Premier, the Echelon is the only light jet to fea- ture such extensive use of composites. Combined with the OTWEM concept, this design offers significant aerody- namic benefits, resulting in a 20% ef- ficiency improvement and, coupled with a higher service ceiling of FL470, greatly increases range.
The wings are aluminum with a slight sweep and a span of 57 feet, sub- stantially wider than the Cessna CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300 and match- ing the Pilatus PC-24. The Echelon stands 15.9 feet tall, with my estimated length of 57.8 feet.
A more spacious interior
Citation CJ4’s 77 cubic feet, the Phenom 300’s 74 cubic feet, and the generous 90 cubic feet in the Pilatus PC-24. The CJ4 does have the nice convenience of a substantial nose baggage compart- ment. While the load capacity remains undisclosed, it would need to be in excess of 1,000 lbs. to match the CJ4 and at least 570 to compare with the Phenom 300. The PC-24 doesn’t have a specific baggage compartment weight limit since its design incorporates an internal cargo configuration.
The aft externally serviceable lava- tory is tastefully designed with a small vanity and incorporates Lee Aero- space’s CoolView skylights, similar to the original HondaJet. I’ve experienced Lee Aerospace’s unique window design, and it greatly improves cabin and cock- pit comfort, reflecting a substantial amount of radiant heat.
The Cabin Comforts
Inside, the cabin benefits from an ellipsoid shape that offers 4.5 inches more headroom than the HondaJet and additional width at both f loor and shoulder levels. The aircraft is
On the ground, the Echelon has a strong ramp presence
The Williams International FJ44- 4AC engines will each produce 3450 lbs. of thrust, and will utilize the QPM (Quiet Power Mode) which allows one engine to act as an APU at a lower idle and provide ample power on the ramp to power systems, while reducing the noise footprint when compared to other APUs, or even diesel-powered GPUs.
The exterior of the Echelon impress- es with its slightly swept wing and sleek
fuselage, featuring six large cabin win- dows and a wide main cabin door. The aircraft can carry up to nine passengers and two crew, and its large aft baggage compartment offers 120 cubic feet of external storage. I’ve f lown with a large number of passengers in other jets, and with eleven potential occupants, they need the baggage volume.
This large baggage volume is impres- sive, especially in comparison with the
June 2024 / TWIN & TURBINE • 9