SyberJet Selects Williams FJ44-4A for SJ36 Light Jet

SyberJet Aircraft and Williams International have entered into an exclusive engine partnership to power SyberJet’s next-generation light jet, the SJ36. Under a deal inked on Tuesday afternoon at NBAA-BACE 2025, the agreement designates Williams’ FJ44-4A as the twinjet’s powerplant.

Each FJ44-4A engine will provide 3,621 pounds of thrust, for a combined total of more than 7,200 pounds. With a projected mtow of 18,500 pounds, the light jet will achieve a 38.9% thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling strong climb performance and efficient high-altitude cruise SyberJet said. The SJ36’s four-foot shorter predecessor, the FAA-certified SJ30-2, was fitted with two 2,300-pound-thrust FJ44-2A turbofans.

“Williams International is the clear choice for this program,” said SyberJet CEO Trevor Milton. He acknowledged that there were other manufacturers to choose from, but ultimately the decision came down to his trust in the Williams engine family. 

Gregg Williams, chairman and CEO of Williams International, said his company is honored to supply the engines. “The FJ44-4A offers unprecedented performance, exceptional durability and reliability, and the industry’s best lifetime maintenance plan,” he said. “It’s a perfect match for the SJ36.”

Milton added, “This partnership with Williams is more than just an engine deal—it’s a shared vision for what the next generation of light jets should be.”

The collaboration will also be highlighted in SyberJet’s upcoming YouTube series documenting the SJ36’s development. Produced in partnership with pilot and influencer Dave “Heavy D” Sparks, the series offers viewers an inside look at the aircraft certification process from design and testing to production. Milton said the goal is to make the process accessible to aviation enthusiasts and demonstrate “what it really takes to build a modern airplane.”

Meanwhile, Milton said SyberJet’s home-grown SyberVision avionics suite will feature secure over-the-air updates for databases and flight management software. The platform is said to include six high-definition touchscreens, integrated autothrottle, fly-by-wire controls, and enhanced weather systems.

“Our engineers and pilots have built an avionics package that’s more capable and easier to use than anything else in its class,” he said.

According to SyberJet, the SJ36 is engineered to bridge the gap between light and midsize jets, redefining expectations in the light jet category. Performance and specifications include a Mach 0.88 top cruise speed, 3,000-nm range, and 49,000-foot service ceiling. Certification is targeted for 2032, with first flight expected by 2027.