Says Performance, Fuel Savings Exceed Engineering
Estimates
Clifford Development is one of a handful of companies that have
stumbled upon a veritable fountain of youth for Cessna's oldest
Citation jets -- by equipping those planes with new Williams
turbofans. The company announced Monday at NBAA 2008 its
certification program to install FJ44-3As on the Citation II
(C550).
Clifford tells ANN this is the first certification of new
engines for the C550 using FAA-certified test pilots. Certification
flight tests document significant speed, range and direct operating
cost improvements with this modification, which is installed under
a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), available for installation
at three Clifford service centers.
"Our entire team of engineers, technicians, flight crews,
suppliers and our shareholders are to be congratulated," said
company CEO Jim Clifford. "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 to Stage 4 standards, this
transformation vaults the eight-passenger C550 into a completely
new jet category."
In addition to the engine modification, Clifford Development
documented 35 improvements as part of this STC... including an
Ametek digital engine display, heavy duty BFG brakes, new LED
annunciator panel and a dual FADEC system certified to July 2007
standards.
With this modification, the typical Citation II’s empty
weight will be reduced by 250 lbs.
"The list of improvements will be important to every operator,"
noted Clifford. He added, "But the performance stands out. Of the
15 pilots who have flown this airplane, each has raved about the
performance. When they walk away from the airplane after their
first flight, they grin.
Based on certification flight test data, Clifford reports that
the re-engined C550 has significant performance improvements: a 22
minute time-to-climb to FL430 versus the current one hour and 37
minute step-climb profile; 18 percent increase in max cruise speed
and a 59 percent increase in NBAA range with four passengers.
The range increase, to 2192 nautical miles, is almost double the
original engineering estimate. The Williams FJ44-3A engines are
thermodynamically rated at 3000 lbs. (with takeoff flat-rated
thrust of 2820 lbs.) versus the original engines, which are rated
at 2500 lbs.
The C550 engine conversion is priced at $2,295,000 for 2009
installations. This price includes engines, engine core credit,
digital engine instrumentation, Clifford Development aircraft
improvement package, installation labor and training.
Clifford’s parallel certification program for installing
Williams FJ44-3A engines on the Citation SII (S550) is due to be
completed by the end of October.