Clifford Hopes to Certify Cessna Citation S/II

Clifford Development has initiated a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program to re-engine the Cessna Citation S/II (CE-S550) with Williams International FJ44-3 engines. Clifford Development is currently certifying Williams FJ44-3 engines for the Cessna Citation II. Based on performance computations completed using the NASA-developed General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP), Clifford expects the re-engined CE-S550 will have significant performance improvements including a 75 percent reduction in time-to-climb (FL430), a 40 percent NBAA range increase (with four passengers), a 34 percent improvement in single engine climb rate and a 28 percent reduction in fuel costs. The FADEC integration reduces takeoff field length 10 percent without thrust reversers. The STC for the Citation S/II will include the installation of winglets to enhance the airplane's fuel specifics, operating economy and range. "For a Citation S/II operator whose airplane is facing second overhauls, the gains in fuel efficiency and speed combined with reduced engine maintenance costs can allow recovery of this investment in three to five years of typical operation. A key to these savings is the Williams engine's 4000 hour overhaul interval versus the original engine's 3000 hour interval," noted Clifford. Work on the certification airplane will begin in late September. First flight is scheduled for November 2007 and issuance of the STC is anticipated in early 2008.