Citation II and Citation SII Re-Engining With Williams Engines

Clifford Development tells ANN that their re-engining projects for the Citation II and Citation SII are on track for an STC in early 2008. When certified, both airplanes will be equipped with Williams International FJ44-3A engines, plus 36 improvements to the airframe and its systems.

The Citation II certification airplane is currently undergoing flight tests. Flight Test Associates, LLC of Mojave, Calif. has equipped the Citation II certification airplane with its proprietary data acquisition system that captures 64 parameters at a nominal rate of two per second. Datasets include flight parameters, principle engine parameters, system temperatures and pressures, GPS and DGPS positions and strain gauge readings. Fifty flights of 2.5 hours each will be concluded in December. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight tests are anticipated for January 2008.

"We are particularly pleased with our relationship with Flight Test Associates," noted Jim Clifford, chief executive officer of Clifford Development.

"The rich data that are captured from these test flights will equip us to develop a detailed pilot's operating handbook with comprehensive performance charts."

Initial flight test results for the Citation II support the original performance estimates of the Williams engine conversion including a long range cruise speed improvement of +21 percent and an NBAA IFR range improvement of +29 percent.

Working from a newly renovated 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Kalamazoo, Mich., Great Lakes Aviation, a Clifford Development engineering partner firm, has begun the physical modification of the Citation SII certification airplane. This airplane is on track for first engine runs in December and an abbreviated flight test program in early 2008.

"Based on the commonality between the Citation II and SII, we are achieving significant efficiencies with the parallel certification of two airplanes. We anticipate that the Citation II and the Citation SII will be certified sequentially in March and April of 2008," noted Clifford. "More than 25 engineers and technicians have been added at Great Lakes Aviation to support our certification programs."

The 2008 Citation II and SII engine conversions are priced at $2,150,000 and $2,275,000 respectively, and both conversions include 36 systems improvements, nacelles, engines, installation and training. Prices include a credit for original engines. Installations will be handled by designated service centers.

FMI: www.clifforddevelopmentgroup.com