Says Certification Expected By End Of 2008
Sierra Indsutries told ANN this week certification testing of
the modification company's Super II is proceeding at a rapid pace
-- with 30 test flights, totaling over 40 hours to date, and more
than 50% of total flight testing completed by Christmas.
All "high-risk" flight tests have been completed, the company
adds -- including single engine takeoff and climb, high speed
flutter at VD/MD, engine relights at all corners of the airstart
envelope, and more than 50 stalls. The remaining certification
flight tests are expected to be completed within two months, and
will include anti-ice testing, noise certification and Function and
Reliability (F&R) testing.
Sierra states throughout testing, the Super II has performed
exceptionally well, often exceeding expectations. "In fact,
we’ve had difficulty testing some low-speed profiles because
of the aircraft’s abundant thrust", stated Jody Dorris,
company test pilot.
In testing, the aircraft easily achieved a top cruise speed of
404 KTAS and is capable of a maximum speed of 416 KTAS. On a
December 2 test flight, Sierra Industries test pilot and CEO Mark
Huffstutler climbed to an altitude of 51,482 feet... dramatically
illustrating the potential of the Williams FJ44-3A engine
modification.
Sierra notes the Super II provides a substantial
across-the-board performance enhancement for the Citation II
airframe -- boosting fuel efficiency as much as 25%, cutting
time-to-climb to under 25 minutes to FL430, extending range to
nearly 1800 NM, and more than doubling maximum fuel payload.
Dramatic reductions in takeoff field length (more than 20%
reduction at 5000 ft., ISA +20º), coupled with increased climb
rates make the Super II a superb all-around performer for virtually
any field conditions or altitude. Dual Channel FADEC controls are
included in the package.
The Super II modification is
available for owners and operators of Cessna Citation 550 and 551SP
aircraft, with a down time of 8-10 weeks for installation. Other
available Sierra options include upgraded avionics packages, new
paint and interior treatments, long-range fuel tanks, cargo doors
and more. For those without an existing Citation II for
modification, complete turnkey Super II aircraft are also available
for sale from Sierra.
2007 MSRP for the complete Super II modification is $1.929
million (with trade-in credit for existing engines) and includes
Williams FJ44-3A engines and installation, all associated
structural changes to accommodate the increased thrust, all
necessary hydraulic, mechanical and electrical changes and
dual-channel FADEC for power management and full-time synchronizing
between engines.
Super II FAA certification is expected by the end of the year.
Sierra has produced approximately 40 FJ44 re-engined Citations
since 2002, logging over 15,000 flight hours to date.