Citation II and Citation SII Re-Engining With Williams
Engines
Clifford Development tells ANN that
their re-engining projects for the Citation II and Citation SII are
on track for an STC in early 2008. When certified, both airplanes
will be equipped with Williams International FJ44-3A engines, plus
36 improvements to the airframe and its systems.
The Citation II certification airplane is currently undergoing
flight tests. Flight Test Associates, LLC of Mojave, Calif. has
equipped the Citation II certification airplane with its
proprietary data acquisition system that captures 64 parameters at
a nominal rate of two per second. Datasets include flight
parameters, principle engine parameters, system temperatures and
pressures, GPS and DGPS positions and strain gauge readings. Fifty
flights of 2.5 hours each will be concluded in December. Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) flight tests are anticipated for
January 2008.
"We are particularly pleased with our relationship with Flight
Test Associates," noted Jim Clifford, chief executive officer of
Clifford Development.
"The rich data that are captured from these test flights will
equip us to develop a detailed pilot's operating handbook with
comprehensive performance charts."
Initial flight test results for the Citation II support the
original performance estimates of the Williams engine conversion
including a long range cruise speed improvement of +21 percent and
an NBAA IFR range improvement of +29 percent.
Working from a newly renovated 20,000 sq. ft. facility in
Kalamazoo, Mich., Great Lakes Aviation, a Clifford Development
engineering partner firm, has begun the physical modification of
the Citation SII certification airplane. This airplane is on track
for first engine runs in December and an abbreviated flight test
program in early 2008.
"Based on the commonality between the Citation II and SII, we
are achieving significant efficiencies with the parallel
certification of two airplanes. We anticipate that the Citation II
and the Citation SII will be certified sequentially in March and
April of 2008," noted Clifford. "More than 25 engineers and
technicians have been added at Great Lakes Aviation to support our
certification programs."
The 2008 Citation II and SII engine conversions are priced at
$2,150,000 and $2,275,000 respectively, and both conversions
include 36 systems improvements, nacelles, engines, installation
and training. Prices include a credit for original engines.
Installations will be handled by designated service centers.
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