Says Certification Expected By End Of 2008

Sierra Indsutries told ANN this week certification testing of the modification company's Super II is proceeding at a rapid pace -- with 30 test flights, totaling over 40 hours to date, and more than 50% of total flight testing completed by Christmas.

All "high-risk" flight tests have been completed, the company adds -- including single engine takeoff and climb, high speed flutter at VD/MD, engine relights at all corners of the airstart envelope, and more than 50 stalls. The remaining certification flight tests are expected to be completed within two months, and will include anti-ice testing, noise certification and Function and Reliability (F&R) testing.

Sierra states throughout testing, the Super II has performed exceptionally well, often exceeding expectations. "In fact, we’ve had difficulty testing some low-speed profiles because of the aircraft’s abundant thrust", stated Jody Dorris, company test pilot.

In testing, the aircraft easily achieved a top cruise speed of 404 KTAS and is capable of a maximum speed of 416 KTAS. On a December 2 test flight, Sierra Industries test pilot and CEO Mark Huffstutler climbed to an altitude of 51,482 feet... dramatically illustrating the potential of the Williams FJ44-3A engine modification.

Sierra notes the Super II provides a substantial across-the-board performance enhancement for the Citation II airframe -- boosting fuel efficiency as much as 25%, cutting time-to-climb to under 25 minutes to FL430, extending range to nearly 1800 NM, and more than doubling maximum fuel payload. Dramatic reductions in takeoff field length (more than 20% reduction at 5000 ft., ISA +20º), coupled with increased climb rates make the Super II a superb all-around performer for virtually any field conditions or altitude. Dual Channel FADEC controls are included in the package.

The Super II modification is available for owners and operators of Cessna Citation 550 and 551SP aircraft, with a down time of 8-10 weeks for installation. Other available Sierra options include upgraded avionics packages, new paint and interior treatments, long-range fuel tanks, cargo doors and more. For those without an existing Citation II for modification, complete turnkey Super II aircraft are also available for sale from Sierra.

2007 MSRP for the complete Super II modification is $1.929 million (with trade-in credit for existing engines) and includes Williams FJ44-3A engines and installation, all associated structural changes to accommodate the increased thrust, all necessary hydraulic, mechanical and electrical changes and dual-channel FADEC for power management and full-time synchronizing between engines.

Super II FAA certification is expected by the end of the year. Sierra has produced approximately 40 FJ44 re-engined Citations since 2002, logging over 15,000 flight hours to date.

FMI: www.sijet.com