Williams to reveal details of another, previously undisclosed, small powerplant at next month's NBAA convention
Williams International has received US certification for the FJ33 small turbofan, and says it is "within a few months of completing certification testing" on another, previously undisclosed turbofan at the "smaller end" of its product line.
Testing of the 1,568lb-thrust (7kN) FJ33-4A-15 was completed over a year ago, says Michigan-based Williams, but final certification was delayed to incorporate the dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system developed for the larger FJ44-3A.
Originally the FJ33 had single-channel fuel control. "The basic engine was well along, but we wanted to have the latest fuel controller," says chairman Dr Sam Williams. "We have brought dual-channel FADEC into being for smaller engines, and we think that is an important thing."
Although the FJ33 is certificated at over 1,500lb thrust, Williams says most customers are planning to use it at power levels down to around 1,200lb. "It is a lightweight engine and can accommodate lower thrust," says Williams. The rival Pratt & Whitney Canada PW600 family is rated at 900lb and 1,350lb thrust in its initial applications.
All FJ33s have been manufactured on production tooling, says Williams, and additional engines will be built now that certification has been achieved. However, its announced aircraft applications are still some way from production. The FJ33 has been selected to power the Adam A700, set for certification next year; the single-engined Diamond D-Jet, planned for initial deliveries in early 2006; the ATF Javelin two-seat twinjet scheduled for delivery in 2007; and the stalled Safire Jet. "We have delivered some engines, and we will deliver more," says Williams. "We have other sales that have not been announced."
Williams declines to provide details of the new small engine before next month's National Business Aviation Association convention.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
