EVENDALE, OHIO - GE CF34-8E engines performed flawlessly yesterday during the first flight of the EMBRAER 170, the first of Embraer's all-new family of 70- to 110-seat commercial jets.
During the two hour and thirty minute test flight at São José dos Campos, Brazil, several maneuvers were performed to check the aircrafts flight characteristics.
"GE Aircraft Engines is extremely pleased to have played a part in achieving this very significant program milestone," said David Joyce, general manager of Small Commercial Engine Programs for GE Aircraft Engines. "The EMBRAER 170 first flight further validates the success of the CF34-8 Growth engine development program."
The CF34-8E propulsion system features a new underwing nacelle/installation specifically tailored to the Embraer aircraft. Rated in the 14,000-pound-thrust class, the CF34-8E shares 87 percent overall parts commonality with GE's in-service CF34-8C1 engine.
CF34-8 Growth engines, each of which produces maximum takeoff thrust of 14,500 pounds, are designed to power new, larger regional twinjets slated to enter revenue service over the next two years: the CF34-8C5 for the 86-passenger Bombardier CRJ900, the CF34-8D for the 70-passenger Fairchild Dornier 728, and the CF34-8E for the 70-passenger EMBRAER 170.
Since its launch at the 1999 Paris Air Show, a total of 112 firm orders and 202 options have been placed for the EMBRAER 170/190 family. The first EMBRAER 170 will be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year to launch customer Swiss (formerly Crossair).
GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the worlds leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial 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 www.geae.com.