SINGAPORE - Full-scale testing of GE's new CF34-8C turbofan engine is successfully underway at the GE Aircraft Engines facility at Lynn, Massachusetts, with certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) targeted for the fourth quarter of 1999.

The initial phase of testing evaluates performance, operability, control system operation, engine dynamics, and emissions of the complete engine, including the wide-chord fan, low pressure turbine and full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system. The entire testing program entails a total of 4,200 hours of core and full-engine testing, involving fifteen complete engines.

"It's early in the full-engine test phase, but results so far are very encouraging," said Frank Klaus, general manager of GE's Small Commercial Turbofan Department. "We're coming off an exceptionally successful two years of component testing and look forward to continuing on this track throughout engine test and FAA certification."

Approximately 350 hours of component testing, which included fan containment, compressor performance optimization, combustor emissions and relight, low pressure turbine aero evaluation, and exhaust nozzle system definition, yielded results that in many cases exceeded design point objectives.

The CF34-8C is the newest growth derivative engine in the CF34 family of engines, which have established high levels of reliability in powering corporate aircraft and regional airliners. Rated in the 14,000-pound-thrust class, the CF34-8C has been selected to power Bombardier Aerospace's new Canadair Regional Jet Series 700 and is a candidate to power other next-generation 70-passenger airliners.