54th Aircraft Is In The Modification Process

Since Sierra Industries was awarded an STC for the first FJ44 upgrade – the Eagle II – in 2002, the fleet has grown to a total of 54 aircraft. The high-performance mix of Citation I, II and S-II aircraft have amassed a total of more than 50,000 hours of Williams engine operation with no mechanical problems. The 54th Citation is currently being retrofitted with Williams FJ44 turbofans.

Most of the aircraft are also participating in Williams’ Total Assurance Program (TAP), the industry’s leading engine maintenance program. In the 2009 Aviation International News product support survey, Williams won top honors for both their engines and for their TAP maintenance program. The TAP program is estimated to save operators more than a quarter-million dollars in engine maintenance costs by the time TBO is reached, compared to the original Pratt JT15D engines.

The 3rd-generation technology in the Williams powerplants also increases efficiency, reducing fuel burn, operating cost and carbon emissions. Since the 2002 introduction of the Eagle II, we estimate Sierra’s FJ44 fleet has reduced worldwide carbon emissions by more than 10,000 tons. Operators of these aircraft also enjoy substantial performance improvements, ranging from 35 to 50 knot cruise speed increases and 300 to 400 NM greater range to dramatically improved climb performance. In fact, all 4 models will easily achieve FL430 at gross weight in under 25 minutes from any airport in North America.

Building on Sierra’s 25 years of Citation modification history and 15 years of experience in Citation re-engining, Sierra’s current re-engining lineup includes the highly successful FJ44-2A powered Eagle II, Stallion and the FJ44-3A powered Super II and Super S-II modifications. Supporting these modifications with their extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities, Sierra is among the largest holders of FAA Parts Manufacturing Approvals (PMA) in the southwestern US.

Sierra has recently announced new incentives for advance booking of 2010 modifications, reducing already industry-leading 2009 pricing. FJ44-2A Stallion upgrades start at under $1.55 million and FJ44-3A Super II and Super S-II positions are available starting under $1.75 million. Generous trade-in allowances are also available on existing Pratt engines with time remaining.

FMI: www.sijet.com