LYNN, Mass. -- GE's CF34-10A First Engine to Test (FETT) was started up on schedule October 8 at GE's Peebles, Ohio test operation. After a successful break-in run, the engine demonstrated thrust capability up to 20,000 pounds. 



GE is developing the CF34-10A turbofan engine for the 90-passenger, twin-engine ARJ21-700 regional jet being developed by China Aviation Industry Corp. (AVIC1) for both the Chinese and export markets. 



The FETT engine will perform initial performance calibration runs in October, after which it will be fitted with instrumentation for fan vibration and crosswind operability certification testing. 



The first two flight-test engines are in final assembly at GE's facility in Durham, N.C., and will be tested at Peebles next month in preparation for shipment to AVIC1 in December. 



The CF34-10A is approximately 80 percent common with the CF34-10E, which entered service in November 2005 on the Embraer 190/195. 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 stall-free operation and better fuel burn); a highly durable single annular, low-emissions combustor that meets the most stringent emissions standards; and a single-state high-pressure turbine for low operating cost. 



Certification of the CF34-10A by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is targeted for late 2008. The engine will be certified at up to 18,500 pounds to meet aircraft thrust requirements. 



GE's CF34 family is the best-selling engine in regional jet aviation. Almost 4,000 CF34 engines power various business jets and regional jet aircraft. 



GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.