LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS - Ground testing of a growth version of the CF34-8 engine, the exclusive powerplant for the majority of new-generation regional jets, is successfully under way, marking a major milestone in the development of the first underwing configuration of the CF34 propulsion system.In all, approximately 3,600 hours of engine testing, including engine flight testing on GE's 747 flying testbed, will be conducted, leading to certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the CF34 growth engine family, targeted for mid-2002.CF34-8 growth engines are rated in the 14,500-pound thrust class, which represents a five percent increase over the thrust of the CF34-8C1. The growth engine family includes: the CF34-8C5, which will power Bombardier's 90-passenger Canadair CRJ900; the CF34-8D selected to power Fairchild Dornier's new 70-passenger 728JET and 55-passenger 528JET, as well as the Envoy 7 corporate jet; and the CF34-8E, which will power the new 70-passenger ERJ-170 produced by Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica, S.A. (Embraer). The Fairchild Dornier and Embraer aircraft are the first underwing applications of the CF34.Bombardier will initiate CRJ900 flight testing early next year, with entry into service with Brit Air targeted for 2002. Fairchild Dornier will initiate flight test of the 728JET during the first quarter of 2002, with entry into service with launch customer Lufthansa CityLine GmbH targeted for 2003. Embraer will begin ERJ-170 flight testing during the fourth quarter of next year, followed by entry into service with launch customer Crossair of Switzerland during the fourth quarter of 2002.