Says Performance, Fuel Savings Exceed Engineering Estimates

Clifford Development is one of a handful of companies that have stumbled upon a veritable fountain of youth for Cessna's oldest Citation jets -- by equipping those planes with new Williams turbofans. The company announced Monday at NBAA 2008 its certification program to install FJ44-3As on the Citation II (C550).

Clifford tells ANN this is the first certification of new engines for the C550 using FAA-certified test pilots. Certification flight tests document significant speed, range and direct operating cost improvements with this modification, which is installed under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), available for installation at three Clifford service centers.

"Our entire team of engineers, technicians, flight crews, suppliers and our shareholders are to be congratulated," said company CEO Jim Clifford. "This certification comes at a time when increased operating efficiencies and reduced environmental footprints are paramount. With its 35% reduction in average trip fuel consumption and noise reduction to Stage 4 standards, this transformation vaults the eight-passenger C550 into a completely new jet category."

In addition to the engine modification, Clifford Development documented 35 improvements as part of this STC... including an Ametek digital engine display, heavy duty BFG brakes, new LED annunciator panel and a dual FADEC system certified to July 2007 standards.

With this modification, the typical Citation II’s empty weight will be reduced by 250 lbs.

"The list of improvements will be important to every operator," noted Clifford. He added, "But the performance stands out. Of the 15 pilots who have flown this airplane, each has raved about the performance. When they walk away from the airplane after their first flight, they grin.

Based on certification flight test data, Clifford reports that the re-engined C550 has significant performance improvements: a 22 minute time-to-climb to FL430 versus the current one hour and 37 minute step-climb profile; 18 percent increase in max cruise speed and a 59 percent increase in NBAA range with four passengers.  The range increase, to 2192 nautical miles, is almost double the original engineering estimate. The Williams FJ44-3A engines are thermodynamically rated at 3000 lbs. (with takeoff flat-rated thrust of 2820 lbs.) versus the original engines, which are rated at 2500 lbs.

The C550 engine conversion is priced at $2,295,000 for 2009 installations. This price includes engines, engine core credit, digital engine instrumentation, Clifford Development aircraft improvement package, installation labor and training.

Clifford’s parallel certification program for installing Williams FJ44-3A engines on the Citation SII (S550) is due to be completed by the end of October.

FMI: www.clifforddevelopmentgroup.com, www.williams-int.com