(OT) BMW designs interior for revolutionary jet

["Steve Makohin" <wateredg@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all,

For interested folks, BMW Group Designworks USA was called upon by upstart 
jet manufacturer Eclipse Aviation to design the interior of the 
revolutionary Eclipse 500. Images available at 
http://www.eclipseaviation.com/eclipse_500/styling_options/.

The Eclipse 500 is revolutionary because it is by far the least expensive 
jet in its class (US$1.5M), and yet it surpasses other jets/aircraft in many 
ways: quietest jet, lowest emissions, short take-off and landing, noteworthy 
fuel economy, higher altitude and cruise speed, simple to operate, low 
maintenance, etc. (Personal note: The first few years of use will prove or 
disprove these lofty statements).

As for BMW's contribution, the interior is attractive without being 
"trendy", like today's BMW vehicles, which in my NSHO, have form trump 
function. Independent aviation reviewers confirm that the aircraft appears 
to meet Eclipse Aviation's marketing targets (low cost, ease of use, etc). 
BMW's iDrive is absent, though a fully automated and fully integrated "glass 
cockpit" demonstrates how technology can indeed simplify complex tasks, and 
increase safety.

On the exterior, as with most aircraft, function dictates form to create a 
stable, low-drag aircraft. Noteworthy items are engine placement, which 
provides near center-line thrust in the unlikely event of a single engine 
failure (most other twin-engine aircraft become a challenge to fly when one 
engine quits), and the absence of the bulbous and conspicuously mismatched 
"Bangle Butt" trunk lid.

- -Steve Makohin
 '01 R1100S/ABS
 Oakville, Ontario, Canada 

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