March 27, 2003 -- HAINAN, China - As China embarks on the historic development of its ARJ21 regional jet, GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) is working closely with the AVIC I Commercial Aircraft Co. Ltd (ACAC) to integrate one of the world's most advanced engines into the aircraft.
GE is actively developing the CF34-10A engine, while working closely with ACAC to integrate the engine into the ARJ21 regional jet. ACAC launched the Joint Definition Phase (JDP) in January. During the JDP, teams are defining key aircraft and propulsion system interfaces, along with detailed design requirements. In April, GE will begin subscale ARJ21 aerodynamic component and nacelle testing at Fluidyne's Aerotest Lab. In June, ACAC is expected to finalize aircraft configuration and GE will conduct an interim propulsion system review. The engine is slated for certification in 2005, and entry into passenger service on the ARJ21 in 2007.
Meanwhile, testing of the CF34-10 engine is progressing rapidly. The engine will soon begin flight-testing in southern California USA on GE's unique Boeing 747 Flying Testbed. This significant milestone represents another step for GE as a driving force behind the rapidly expanding worldwide regional jet marketplace - where China will make a significant contribution.
GE first launched its first CF34 model in 1983 by taking the durable TF34 military engine and developing it into a business jet engine. A decade later, GE further developed the CF34 for a new breed of aircraft -- regional jets. Today, GE continues to pioneer new technology in this market by developing and certifying new, higher thrust versions of the CF34 for the latest 70- to 90-passenger regional jets.
Over the past decade, GE has invested more than $1 billion to develop the CF34 engine family. To date, more than 5,600 CF34 engines are on order, including more than 1,500 in service worldwide.
GE brings to the ARJ21 a depth of experience that includes 500 million flight hours from across the entire GE commercial engine product line, including the GE90, the world's most powerful engine; the CF6, the most popular and reliable engine for widebody aircraft; and the CFM56, one of the most reliable and best-selling airline engines in aviation history.
In designing the CF34-10, GE has scaled the core of the successful CFM56-7, the jet engine for the Boeing 737 family, to ensure the highest durability, reliability, and greater operating temperature margins which equate to a lower cost of operation for airlines. In addition, advancements in Fully Automated Digital Engine Control (FADEC) technology will allow GE to offer its Remote Diagnostics service to monitor this engine model while in flight.
The new CF34-10's thrust capability will meet maximum passenger and payload requirements for the entire ARJ21 aircraft family, and will offer hot and high performance capability in Western China.
Designed as an easily maintainable propulsion system, the CF34-10 offers:
Deb Case
GE Aviation
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