Century Aerospace has transformed its Century Jet from a single-engined aircraft to a twin and has replaced the Williams/Rolls FJ44-1 powerplant with "the more advanced" Williams FJ33-1, for which the newly titled Century Jet 100 has become the launch aircraft.
According to Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Century: "The Century Jet 100 offers low operating costs, a cruising speed of 370kt [555km/h], a 2,775km [1,500nm] range and accommodation for six passengers".
The aircraft is priced at $2.34 million for the first 50 aircraft, an increase of $500,000 on the former single-engined variant which has now been ditched.
The manufacturer declares that its decision to opt for a twin-engined aircraft was made primarily because of the low cost of the powerplants.
"For another half a million dollars you can have a twin-engined aircraft, and a twin will always sell much better than a single," says Century Jet president Bill Northrup.
Century claims it has to raise $48 million through private investment to fund the aircraft through development and certification. Production tooling on the first prototype of four prototypes (two flying and two static) is scheduled for 1999, while certification and first deliveries of the aircraft are planned for the years 2001 and 2002 respectively.
To date, Century has received orders for 22 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
