Installations To Be Handled By Service Centers

Clifford Development has launched a program to undertake a new STC development program to re-engine Cessna Citation II (CE-550) aircraft with 3000 lb thrust Williams International FJ44-3 engines including integration of the FADEC (full authority digital engine control) system. The Company has acquired a Citation II as a test article and is collecting baseline data. Certification is expected within 12 months.

Based on performance computations completed using the NASA-developed General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP), Clifford expects the re-engined CE-550 will have significant performance improvements including a 21 percent long range cruise speed increase, a 29 percent range increase, a 34 percent improvement in single engine climb rate and a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. The FADEC integration allows for a decreased takeoff field length of 18 percent without the use of thrust reversers.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to add the remarkable Williams FJ44-3 engine to the venerable Citation II. This combines the best-in-class engine technology with a proven airframe yielding significant gains in performance, reliability and safety margins," said Jim Clifford, chief executive officer of Clifford Development.

"For a Citation II operator whose airplane is near engine overhauls, the improvements in fuel efficiency and speed combined with reduced engine maintenance costs can allow for the recovery of this investment in two years."

"This STC represents a compelling new option for Citation II operators," said Bruce Wilcox, chief operating officer of Clifford Development.

"In the past, operators who were not in the market for a new airplane had a choice of expensive overhauls with no economic gain, or opting for a higher priced used airplane with somewhat improved performance. This STC provides a huge improvement in performance and operating cost at a very reasonable cost. Plus, this option will be available within one year."

"Our operating objective is to define the certification protocols that allow our teams to rapidly develop STCs across a broad range of engine and aircraft types. Our plan is to continually streamline the process, allowing us to provide safe, trouble-free installations while providing our customers with the best technologies and the most rapid certification timelines in the industry," said Wilcox.

The Citation II engine conversion is priced at $1,900,000 including engine mount kits, nacelles, engines, installation and training. The price includes a credit for the original engines. Introductory pricing is available. Retrofits certified by Clifford Development will be available through a service center network in North America.

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