Sapphire Program Can Be Applied To All Citation Models

GE Honda has announced a joint project with Sierra Industries, of Uvalde, TX, to develop an engine retrofit program for the legacy Citation Jet platform using the recently certified HF120 engine.

This new project, known as the Sapphire program can be applied to all CitationJet, CJ1 and CJ1+ models. The HF120 engine will provide the CitationJet with improved performance and enhanced productivity. The Sapphire retrofit plan would include FADEC engine management, and a comprehensive suite of upgrades to modernize these aircraft.

“It’s been a landmark year for the HF120,” said Masahiko Izumi, executive vice-president of GE Honda Aero Engines. “Our goals have included supporting the HondaJet certification program while pursuing new applications for the HF120 – we’re pleased with the progress we have accomplished on both goals this year.”

Following the FAA's Part 33 certification of the GE Honda HF120 turbofan engine obtained on December 13, 2013, initial EASA familiarization sessions have been completed earlier this year. GE Honda expects to achieve EASA validation of the HF120 certification in the first quarter of 2015.

With the first production ship set delivered in May, assembly and delivery of the HF120 is continuing from GE’s Lynn facility in Massachusetts. Preparation to transition production to Honda Aero, Inc.’s new state of the art facility in Burlington by year end is also progressing as planned. As part of the readiness validation for Burlington, six engines are progressing through various stages of the assembly and test process, including 3 fully completed engines. The local test cell has been validated for FAA testing including complete cell correlation and acceptance test plan verification.

Rated at 2,095 pounds of thrust, the HF120 engine sets new standards of performance in fuel efficiency, durability, and low noise and emissions. HF120 technologies include:

• A wide-chord, compound, swept front fan blisk, along with composite outlet guide vanes.
• A high-temperature titanium impeller in the compressor for maximum engine pressure ratio and stall-free performance.
• A compact reverse-flow configuration combustor and single-stage air-blast fuel nozzles.
• Advanced materials in the high-pressure (HP) turbine as well as a two-stage low-pressure (LP) turbine and a counter rotating HP and LP spool shaft system.

To date, the HF120 program has accumulated close to 20,000 cycles and more than 10,000 hours demonstrating maturity prior to entering service in early 2015.

FMI: www.geaviation.com