Intends To Certify Older Citations With Williams FJ44-3 Engines

The move to re-engine older Cessna Citations has attracted another interested company. Clifford Development tells ANN it recently initiated a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program to re-engine the Cessna Citation S/II (CE-S550) with Williams International FJ44-3 engines. Clifford Development is currently certifying Williams FJ44-3 engines for the Cessna Citation II.

"We are pleased to launch this effort to re-engine the Citation S/II working in collaboration with Williams International. Operators have expressed interest in the Williams FJ44-3 engines and the substantial performance, safety and operating cost improvements these engines promise. Plus, our Citation II certification program has led us to over 30 systems enhancements that can also be incorporated into the Citation S/II STC. We will at the same time be developing a new performance winglet," noted Jim Clifford, chief executive officer of Clifford Development.

Based on performance computations completed using the NASA-developed General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP), Clifford expects the re-engined CE-S550 will have significant performance improvements including a 75 percent reduction in time-to-climb (FL430), a 40 percent NBAA range increase (with four passengers), a 34 percent improvement in single engine climb rate and a 28 percent reduction in fuel costs. The FADEC integration reduces takeoff field length 10 percent without thrust reversers.

The STC for the Citation S/II will include the installation of winglets to enhance the airplane’s fuel specifics, operating economy and range.

"For a Citation S/II operator whose airplane is facing second overhauls, the gains in fuel efficiency and speed combined with reduced engine maintenance costs can allow recovery of this investment in three to five years of typical operation. A key to these savings is the Williams engine’s 4000 hour overhaul interval versus the original engine’s 3000 hour interval," noted Clifford.

Work on the certification airplane will begin in late September. First flight is scheduled for November 2007, according to the company, and issuance of the STC is anticipated in early 2008.

The quest to reinvigorate older Citations with modern, fuel-efficient turbofans has gathered steam of late, as companies aim to attract customers interested in a lower-cost business jet or VLJ, but with the benefit of using an established airframe. As ANN has reported, another company, Sierra Industries, sells re-engined versions of the original Citation 500/501SP, equipped with Williams FJ44-2A turbofans.

Clifford says its 2007 Citation S/II engine conversion is priced at $2,185,000 including engine mount kits, nacelles, engines, winglets, installation and training. The price includes a credit for the original engines.

Customer installations will be handled by service centers in North America.

FMI: www.clifforddevelopmentgroup.com