First Installation Will Be On Nextant 400XT

EASA has awarded a type certificate to Williams International for its FJ44-3AP engine, an improved version of its popular FJ44-3A model. State-of-the-art aerodynamics and structural enhancements led to this new benchmark in thrust-to-weight ratio and fuel economy. Take-off thrust was increased 8% to 3052 pounds, cruise thrust was increased 13%, while weight was reduced 3% and cruise specific fuel consumption improved by 1.5%. The FJ44-3AP was certified by the FAA in May 2011. The engine will first be installed on the Nextant 400XT.

“I want to thank EASA for their strong support in achieving this milestone,” said Gregg Williams, Chairman, President & CEO of Williams International. “I am also very proud of our team for developing significant improvements to what was already a very good engine. The outstanding performance of the FJ44-3AP engine will lead to many new and improved airplanes.”

“The FJ44-3AP is also the first to receive EASA certification of a new proprietary feature we developed,” Williams added, “that converts into thrust the energy typically wasted pre-cooling engine bleed air for use in aircraft anti-icing systems. This feature, which enables much better performance in icing conditions, will be offered on Williams’ other commercial engines.”

The FJ44-3AP joined a comprehensive product line of FJ33 and FJ44 engines that covers the thrust spectrum from 1000 to 3600 pounds thrust. Two other new models are well along in development – the FJ44-1AP-21 will be certified later this year for use in the Cessna M2, and the FJ33-5 will be certified next year in support of the Cirrus and Diamond jets. All have rugged and efficient wide-sweep fans, health-monitoring FADEC controls, and low-emissions combustor technology.

The company says the FJ44-3AP engine incorporates durability improvements gleaned from over 7 million hours of operation of the 4300 FJ44 engines in service.

FMI: www.williams-int.com