GE Aviation

--LYNN, Massachusetts - GE Aircraft Engines and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) of Japan have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding whereby IHI is responsible for the design and manufacture of approximately 25 to 30 percent of the CF34-8C turbofan engine.

Under the provisions of the Memorandum, IHI may invite other Japanese firms to participate in its portion of the engine program.

IHI, the largest aircraft engine manufacturer in Japan, has been involved in a number of GE engine programs over the past several decades and is currently a revenue-sharing participant in the design and manufacture of the ultra-high-thrust GE90 engine.

"We are delighted that IHI will be working with us on the CF34-8C for the new CRJ-X aircraft," said Lloyd Thompson, general manager of the Small Commercial Turbofan Department of GE Aircraft Engines. "This reconfirms a strong bond between IHI and GE that has benefited both our companies."

Recently selected as the powerplant for the new 70- to 76-passenger Canadair CRJ-X regional airliner, the CF34-8C will produce up to 13,000 pounds of thrust, approximately 50 percent more than the CF34-3A1 engine that powers the Canadair Regional Jet. However, the CF34-8C retains the outstanding reliability and environment-friendly characteristics of current models of the CF34.

Principal new features of the CF34-8C include a larger fan, a higher flow compressor, a new low pressure turbine, and a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC).