Eclipse Aviation, a startup company back in 2001, had designed the six-seat Eclipse 500 and we reported on the aircraft's design changes by engineers. 

They wanted to make a series of internal and external changes to the twin-engine jet to ease manufacturing and reduce aerodynamic drag. 

Vern Raburn, president and CEO, said that cabin door was moved to the left side of the fuselage, seats redesigned and cabinceiling reduced in depth to increase head room. The cockpit windows have been made larger and the instrument panel provides more knee room. 

Read on to find out why the wing was moved back 3.5 in. and discover more of the changes and why these were made. 

If you're a subscriber, you can read the full article on page 51 of the Aug. 13, 2001 issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology.

You can also see the piece from 2002 reporting on the Eclipse 500's first flight. 

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