ZHUHAI, China - GE Aircraft Engines' CF34-10 engine, currently undergoing ground tests in preparation for certification in 2003, has been selected as the powerplant for the China AVIC I Commercial Aircraft Co. Ltd (ACAC) ARJ21 regional jet.
The CF34-10A is part of GE's best-selling CF34 engine family. Over the past decade, GE has invested more than $1 billion to develop the CF34-3, CF34-8, and CF34-10 engine models. Total CF34 orders currently stand at about 5,600 engines with about 1,400 in service worldwide. By bringing the comfort, speed and convenience of jet technology to regional aircraft, the CF34 has been a driving force behind the rapid expansion of the regional market worldwide. Today, regional jets are the fastest-growing commercial aircraft market segment in the industry.
ACAC is developing two ARJ21 models: a 79-passenger version that will enter service in 2007, and a 99-passenger version that will be certified later. The CF34-10A will be certified at up to 18,500 pounds to meet aircraft thrust requirements.
The ARJ21 is scheduled to enter passenger service in 2007. The CF34-10A is scheduled to be certified in 2005.
"We believe that the ARJ21 has tremendous market potential over the next 20 years, both in China and throughout the world," said David Joyce, general manager of Small Commercial Engine Programs at GEAE. "And GE wants to be a part of this program--not just as an engine supplier, but as a strategic participant in the development of China's commercial airliner industry."
The CF34-10A combines the most advanced technology available today with nearly 500 million flight hours of experience gained on the entire GE product line, from the GE90, the world's largest, most powerful engine, to the CF6 and CFM56, the best-selling, most reliable engines for 100-plus passenger aircraft. Key CF34-10A design features include: a wide-chord fan for higher thrust and high tolerance to foreign object damage; 3-D aerodynamic design airfoils in the high-pressure compressor, providing highly efficient, stall-free operation, as well as better fuel burn and higher exhaust gas temperature margins; a highly durable single annular, low-emissions combustor that meets or surpasses the most stringent emissions standards; and a single-stage high-pressure turbine for lower operating cost.
Maintainability has been an integral part of the design process, with access to line- replaceable units and engine servicing optimized through the use of a digital pre- assembly visualization tool.
CF34-10 benefits for the ARJ21 include:
-one engine with thrust capability to meet maximum passenger and payload requirements for the entire ARJ21 aircraft family;
-hot and high performance capability in Western China;
-an easily maintainable propulsion system;
-lower operating costs;
-lower maintenance costs; and
-GE's world-class customer and product support.
GE completed assembly of the first CF34-10 engine in July 2002 and began ground testing in August. Overall, the CF34-10 engine will complete nearly 6,000 test cycles prior to certification in 2003. By the time the ARJ21 enters service in 2007, the engine will have logged half a million flight hours of in-service experience on the EMBRAER 190/195.
GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine applications. In addition, GE Engine Services provides comprehensive maintenance support for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.