FARNBOROUGH, England - Testing of GE's newest and most powerful CF34 engine, the CF34-10, is scheduled to begin this month at the GE Test Operation near Peebles, Ohio, leading to engine certification next year.
The CF34-10E engine is the powerplant for Embraer's new EMBRAER 190/195 regional airliner, scheduled to enter commercial service with launch customer Swiss Airlines in the fourth quarter of 2004.
The CF34-10E is rated in the 18,500 pound (82.3 kN) thrust class. Advanced technology features include: a highly efficient three-dimensional aerodynamic (3-D aero) high-pressure compressor; a single annular combustor (SAC) that reduces oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 12 percent compared with the NOx emissions of current-technology SACs; a low-solidity high-pressure turbine in which efficiency is improved and the number of airfoils is reduced; and a chevron exhaust nozzle that reduces jet noise.
CF34-8 Engines On Track
The CF34-8C1, rated at 13,800 pounds (61.4 kN) thrust, entered service in 2001, powering the Bombardier CRJ700 regional airliner of launch customer Brit Air. Since then, 39 CF34-8C1-powered CRJ700s have entered service with Brit Air and five other airlines. In addition, 332 CF34-8C1s are currently on order, and options have been placed for 644 more.
The more powerful CF34-8 Growth engines--the CF34-8C5, -8D and -8E-- are rated at 14,500 pounds (64.5 kN) thrust. All three Growth engines were certified in April of this year and are either now in flight test or being prepared for flight test: the CF34-8C5 on Bombardier's CRJ900, the CF34-8E on Embraer's EMBRAER 170/175, and the CF34-8D on the Fairchild Dornier 728.
Next year, the CRJ900 will enter service with launch customer Mesa Airlines, while launch customer Swiss Airlines will take delivery of the EMBRAER 170/175. The order book already lists 388 orders and 484 options for CF34-8 Growth engines. Most recently, Italy's flag carrier Alitalia last month placed firm orders for six EMBRAER 170/175s, plus options for an additional six, with delivery to begin late next year.
Milestone for the CF34-3
CF34-3A1 and -3B1 engines, powering Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ200 regional airliners, last month surpassed the milestone of 10 million engine flight hours.
"The -3 engines are the foundation of our CF34 family of regional powerplants," said David Joyce, general manager of Small Commercial Engines Operation of GE Aircraft Engines, "so 10 million flight hours is especially meaningful, particularly when you consider the outstanding record of consistent reliability and solid performance of these engines."
"This validates our commitment that all CF34 engines meet the same demanding standards as GE's large commercial engines. As a result, our CF34 customers enjoy the benefits of the high-quality performance and durability upon which the reputation of GE engines has been built."
More than 600 CRJ-100/-200 aircraft are in service with 32 operators throughout the world. With last monthÂ’s order from Atlantic Coast Airlines for 50 CF34-3B1 engines, the number of orders and options for CF34-3 engines now exceeds 1,500.
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, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.