Offers Improved Performance, Range

Aero-News has learned Premier Aircraft, LLC was recently awarded an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Falcon 50-4 Performance Upgrade, which the company states allows operators significantly improved range, payload, speeds and time-to-climb.

Representatives with Premier tell ANN the STC covers conversion by Honeywell of the original TFE-731-3/3D engines to TFE-731-4-1C configuration, including installation of new exhaust nozzles and minor modifications by Premier to the Falcon 50 nacelles and engine instruments. Installation can take as little as 14 days total downtime per aircraft.

The program was developed by Premier and supported by Honeywell, with certification and performance flight testing by Flight Test Associates of Mojave, CA.

The certificate was presented by Jonathan Oxman, FAA Program Manger in the Long Beach, CA ACO to Ken Shimabukuro, Premier Aircraft 50-4 program manager and John Ligon, President of Flight Test Associates in Mojave.

Performance achieved was typically above Premier's estimates, according to Ken Shimabukuro. "Our targets were both realistic and conservative," he said. "We knew the market response would readily accept our predicted numbers, and now that we have improved upon those numbers, we are very pleased."

Jim Swehla, president of Premier Aircraft added, "The 50-4, with increased thrust, flat rated to a higher altitude, takes less time to climb, increases range and payload and flies 18 to 20 knots faster in cruise. It's truly a value-based upgrade for all Falcon 50  owners to assess."

Premier says the Falcon 50-4 Performance Upgrade provides several performance enhancements:

• Higher climb and cruise thrust
• Lower specific fuel consumption
• Up to 26 per cent greater range from high-hot airports
• Over 200 NM range increase at . Mach 0.75 and 300 NM at Mach 0.80
• Reduced time to climb, and higher initial cruise altitude
• ICAO Chapter 4 Noise compliant
• Extended 2500/5000 hour MPI/CZI intervals, special 3 year/1800 hour engine warranty and reduced MSP rates.

Nacelle-nozzle integration tests were completed at Honeywell's engine facilities, and performance improvement targets benchmarked. The flight testing and performance verification was accomplished in 80 hours of flying.

Premier states customers will find the upgrade most cost-effective when their aircraft is also due for Major Periodic or Compressor Zone Inspections.

FMI: www.50dash4.com