Fri, Sep 21, 2007
Test Runs Include Climb To FL280
Sierra Industries achieved another development milestone in
their latest FJ44 re-engining program for the Citation II. The
first flight was conducted at Sierra's Uvalde, TX modification
center on September 19, and company officials tell ANN the flight
quickly confirmed the modified aircraft's dramatically enhanced
performance.
Taking off at approximately 5:20 pm, Sierra's Super II aircraft,
piloted by CEO Mark Huffstutler and co-piloted by Jody Dorris,
included two successful flights for a total of 1.5 hours.
"The first flight exceeded my own expectations -- the takeoff
and climb performance were exhilarating! We saw 4,500 feet per
minute climb before retracting the landing gear!" said Huffstutler.
"I am especially proud of the fact that not only did we fly with
all systems operational, but that the program has been conducted
with complete FAA involvement, paving the way to rapid
certification."
First flight of the
Super II comes days after Sierra completed engine run tests on the
aircraft, as ANN reported. The company
reports customer commitments for the initial Super II production
through early 2008.
The pilots checked aircraft systems, including landing gear
retraction and pressurization. The first flight included an initial
run to 5000 ft. and 200 KTAS, with all engine and FADEC performance
parameters operating as designed. After completion of the first
flight test cards, Huffstutler was cleared to climb to FL280, where
the aircraft achieved a top cruise speed of 404 KTAS. The Super II
will be certified to a maximum speed of 416 KTAS.
Super II FAA certification is expected by the end of the year.
Sierra has produced some 40 FJ44 re-engined Citations since 2002,
achieving over 15,000 flight hours to date.
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