Sierra Industries, Ltd., part of the SkyWay Group, has launched a new program of performance upgrades to the Cessna 525 Citation Jet series.
This new project, known as the Sapphire program, is designed to be a package of modifications that will enhance performance, reliability and comfort for legacy CJ aircraft, according to company officials.
The Sapphire program targets all 525 series Cessna business jets, including all CitationJet, CJ1 and CJ1+ models. Potential candidates for the program number approximately 660 aircraft worldwide.
Major aspects of the 525-series upgrades include replacement of the original factory engines with new state-of-the-art powerplants, a variety of airframe and interior upgrades, and an updated avionics suite with enhanced situational awareness and several optional upgrades, according to company officials. The engine retrofit will include dual-channel FADEC engine management along with redesigned engine pylons and nacelles for improved aerodynamics.
A number of other enhancements are also planned, including increases in gross weight and service ceiling, aerodynamic modifications to reduce wing loading and drag, integrated in-flight internet connectivity and interior upgrades.
Performance will be maximized in all areas, including increases in speed and range, reductions in takeoff distance and time-to-climb, and overall improvements in reliability and fuel efficiency, company officials said. Substantial reductions in emissions and noise are also anticipated, officials add.
For more than 20 years, Sierra industries has completed re-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 Sapphire 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.
For more information: SIJet.com