Installations To Be Handled By Service Centers
Clifford Development has launched a
program to undertake a new STC development program to re-engine
Cessna Citation II (CE-550) aircraft with 3000 lb thrust Williams
International FJ44-3 engines including integration of the FADEC
(full authority digital engine control) system. The Company has
acquired a Citation II as a test article and is collecting baseline
data. Certification is expected within 12 months.
Based on performance computations completed using the
NASA-developed General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP), Clifford
expects the re-engined CE-550 will have significant performance
improvements including a 21 percent long range cruise speed
increase, a 29 percent range increase, a 34 percent improvement in
single engine climb rate and a 20 percent improvement in fuel
efficiency. The FADEC integration allows for a decreased takeoff
field length of 18 percent without the use of thrust reversers.
"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to add the
remarkable Williams FJ44-3 engine to the venerable Citation II.
This combines the best-in-class engine technology with a proven
airframe yielding significant gains in performance, reliability and
safety margins," said Jim Clifford, chief executive officer of
Clifford Development.
"For a Citation II operator whose airplane is near engine
overhauls, the improvements in fuel efficiency and speed combined
with reduced engine maintenance costs can allow for the recovery of
this investment in two years."
"This STC represents a compelling new option for Citation II
operators," said Bruce Wilcox, chief operating officer of Clifford
Development.
"In the past, operators who were not in the market for a new
airplane had a choice of expensive overhauls with no economic gain,
or opting for a higher priced used airplane with somewhat improved
performance. This STC provides a huge improvement in performance
and operating cost at a very reasonable cost. Plus, this option
will be available within one year."
"Our operating objective is to define the certification
protocols that allow our teams to rapidly develop STCs across a
broad range of engine and aircraft types. Our plan is to
continually streamline the process, allowing us to provide safe,
trouble-free installations while providing our customers with the
best technologies and the most rapid certification timelines in the
industry," said Wilcox.
The Citation II engine conversion is priced at $1,900,000
including engine mount kits, nacelles, engines, installation and
training. The price includes a credit for the original engines.
Introductory pricing is available. Retrofits certified by Clifford
Development will be available through a service center network in
North America.
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.01.24): Say Altitude
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