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Sierra Industries, Ltd., part of the SkyWay Group, has announced a joint project to develop an engine retrofit program for the legacy Citation Jet platform using the recently certified GE Honda HF120 engine.
This new project, known as the Sapphire program, replaces the original factory-installed Williams FJ44-1A engines with the state-of-the-art GE Honda HF120 engine. The HF120 engine will provide the Citation Jet with improved performance and enhanced productivity. The Sapphire retrofit plan would include FADEC engine management along with redesigned engine pylons and nacelles for improved aerodynamics.
Mark Huffstutler, founder and CEO of the SkyWay Group remarks, “The 525 Citation Jet is an ideal match for GE Honda’s 21st century HF120 engine. With the exhilarating performance that comes with a substantial power increase, owners of the Citation Jet would be able to consider a compelling choice when it is time to overhaul their engines or upgrade to a new aircraft.”
The Sapphire program targets all 525 series Cessna business jets, including all CitationJet, CJ1 and CJ1+ models. In addition to the HF120 engine change, a number of other upgrades are planned to be included in the modification package; including a gross weight increase, aerodynamic enhancements, and a variety of avionics and interior upgrades.
Over the past 20+ years, Sierra industries has successfully completed engine STC programs for numerous legacy jets, including the Citation 500, 501SP, 550 and S550 models and more recently the Hawker Beechcraft 400A and 800A series.
Engineering for the program is spearheaded by sister company Skyway Aerospace Technology, Inc., while Sierra Industries provides component fabrication, engine and avionics installation and overall sales and support.
