FJ44-3AP Derated To 2,400 Lbs. Thrust

Representatives with Piper had said they had big news to share at AOPA Expo, after wowing crowds at last month's NBAA Convention with the unveiling of its single-engine PiperJet... and the news doesn't get much bigger than what engine will power the upcoming plane.

The Vero Beach, FL-based planemaker told Expo attendees Thursday it has selected a close variant of the proven Williams FJ44-3A turbofan to power the light jet. The FJ44-3AP (any guesses what that 'P' stands for?) has a maximum thrust rating of 3,000 pounds, but will be derated to 2,400 lbs. max thrust for PiperJet duty.

"The PiperJet is a revolutionary new aircraft," Piper President and CEO James Bass said. "In choosing the powerplant for the PiperJet, we were looking for that perfect combination of performance, safety and reliability, and the Williams FJ44-3AP will not only meet expectations, it will surpass them."

It is that established track record, Bass added, that led Piper to Williams... instead of the relatively new GE/Honda turbofans that will power the upcoming HondaJet. As Aero-News reported in July, Honda and Piper have formed a partnership to assist in manufacturing and distributing the upcoming VLJ.

"Our partnership with Honda is not exclusive," Bass said. "We will always chose the best powerplant for our customers' needs."

"We are very proud to be part of Piper's team as they enter the jet market," said Gregg Williams, president and CEO of Williams International. "Williams has been powering and promoting light jets for two decades, and I'm glad to say we're now powering one for Piper."

Piper expects the Williams-powered PiperJet to be capable of cruising at 360 knots, and a maximum operating altitude of 35,000 feet. The derated engine, Bass added, also gives Piper the option for future growth down the line.

FMI: www.newpiper.com, www.williams-int.com