Spectrum Aeronautical has upgraded the engines that power its S-33 Independence very light jet, and the company is also reversing the order of certification for the S-33 and S-40 Freedom, moving the S-40 to the front burner. The reason for switching the certification plans is so that Spectrum can capitalize on the lack of competition in the midsize cabin class. “There are a lot of entries in the small jet category,” said Spectrum chairman Linden Blue, “and nothing new in the midsize cabin class. We think the -40 is going to be such a dramatic improvement in that class.” Spectrum will seek FAA certification of the S-40 in 2009, followed by the S-33 in 2010. First flight of the S-40 is planned for the second half of next year. While Spectrum and its 150 employees are focusing primarily on building the first S-40, they also added almost 400 pounds of thrust to the S-33 with more powerful 1,750-pound-thrust Williams International FJ33-4A-19 engines. At this year’s NBAA Convention, Spectrum will display a mockup of the S-40 fuselage for the first time.