Cites Continuing Issues With Safran Silvercrest Engine

Textron Aviation has suspended work on the Citation Hemisphere large business jet, citing ongoing problems with the Safran Silvercrest engine selected to power the new airplane.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Textron CEO Scott Donnelly announced the suspension during a conference call with analysts Wednesday. "I think everybody knows there have been some issues around the engine that was slated for that aircraft," Donnelly said. "At this point we have basically suspended the program and are waiting to see how the engine plays out. And then based on that, we'll make our decisions and move forward knowing what the performance of the engine is."

Problems with the Silvercrest engine led to the cancellation of the Dassault Falcon 5X jet earlier this year.

The Citation Hemisphere was announced just prior to the NBAA convention in Las Vegas in 2015. It was to have been the company's largest Citation, with seating for up to 12 passengers and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.

In an email to the paper, Textron said through a spokeswoman that the suspension will not affect employment levels at Cessna's operations in Wichita, which employs about 9,000 people. The company is continuing development of the Denali single engine turboprop and the twin-turboprop SkyCourier. The Citation Longitude is expected to receive FAA certification by the end of June, Donnelly said.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report