Unrestricted Approval Also Covers Williams Install On S550
Clifford Development announced Thursday the FAA issued the final
STC certificate ST02661CH which covers modification of the 550 and
S550 Cessna Citation Series aircraft using Williams International
FJ44-3A engines. Clifford notes this is the first STC issued to
cover both Cessna Citation aircraft, and it was issued with no
operational limitations or restrictions.
"Our entire team of engineers, technicians, flight crews,
suppliers, and our shareholders are to be congratulated," said Jim
Clifford, Chief Executive Officer of Clifford Development. "This
certification comes at a time when increased operating efficiencies
and reduced environmental footprints are paramount. With its 35%
reduction in average trip fuel consumption and noise reduction
greater than Stage 4 standards, this STC transformation vaults the
eight-passenger 550 and S550 into a completely new jet
category."
In addition to the engine modification, Clifford Development
certified 35 improvements as part of this STC, including: an Ametek
digital engine display, heavy duty BFG brakes, and a dual FADEC
system certified to July 2007 FAA standards.
With this modification, the typical Citation 550s empty
weight will be reduced by 250 lbs, according to the company.
Certification flight tests documented significant speed, range and
direct operating cost improvements with the modifications, which
are available for installation at four Clifford service centers
"The list of improvements will be important to every operator,"
Clifford said. "But the performance stands out. Of the dozens of
pilots who have flown this airplane, each has raved about the
performance. When they walk away from the airplane after their
first flight, they smile from ear to ear."
Based on certification flight test data, the Company reports
that the re-engined aircraft have significant performance
improvements: less than 27 minute time-to-climb to FL430 versus the
current one hour and 30 plus minute step-climb profile; a 50 plus
percent increase in NBAA range with four passengers; and a 15 plus
percent increase in max cruise. The Williams FJ44-3A engines are
thermodynamically rated at 3000 lbs. (with a takeoff flat-rated
thrust of 2820 lbs.) versus the original engine’s 2500 lbs
rating.
The 550 engine conversion is priced at $2,295,000 for 2009
installations and the S550 conversion is priced at $2,395,000 with
winglet for 2009 installations. These prices include engines,
engine core credit, digital engine instrumentation, Clifford
Development aircraft improvement package, installation labor and
training.
Clifford Development has appointed Great Lakes Aviation,
Kalamazoo, MI; Threshold Aviation, Chino, CA; Central Flying
Service, Little Rock, AR; and Stevens Aviation, Greenville, SC, as
service centers.
Three customer airplanes have been delivered. The first delivery
was a 550, which now has more than 250 hours of operation. The
second delivery was an S550 airplane that now has more than 60
hours. The third aircraft, also an S550, will depart for South
Africa the first of the year, after its crew completes Flight
Safety training.
The new STC is being updated to allow Williams Engine
information to be displayed on the Rockwell Collins 3-display Pro
Line 21 IDS system.