LYNN, Massachusetts - After almost a full year of testing, GE Aircraft Engines' CF34-8C1 turbofan engine development is on target to meet the recently announced certification schedule for Bombardier's new 70-passenger Canadair Regional Jet Series 700 airliner.
Since the formal launch of CF34-8C1 development in April of last year, the successful achievement of a number of key program milestones has allowed the program to make rapid progress. By year's end, GE had completed testing of the engine's exhaust nozzle system, four-stage low pressure turbine aerodynamics, combustor, and fan containment system, as well as the fan's tolerance to medium bird strikes. In many instances, test results exceeded design point objectives. Testing of the 10-stage compressor, initiated in November 1996, is currently underway to evaluate the component's aerodynamic and aeromechanic performance.
"Although we've been moving forward at full speed since Bombardier selected our CF34-8C1 in February 1995, the formal launch of the Series 700 airliner has elevated the program to a whole new energy level," said Lloyd Thompson, general manager of the Small Commercial Turbofan Department of GE Aircraft Engines. " We completed approximately 270 development test hours during 1996, and we're looking forward to accomplishing about 350 hours this year, including the completion of the second phase of our fan testing next month and the start of core engine and full engine testing in the fourth quarter. The entire CF34-8C1 team is very excited by the momentum of the program and are fully committed to having the engine certified on time and ready for Series 700 flight testing in 1999."
The CF34-8C1, rated at 13,000 to 15,000 pounds of thrust, is the latest evolutionary step in GE's CF34 family of turbofan engines. The -8C1 is designed to provide 50 percent more thrust and incorporate 30 percent fewer parts than the CF34 engines that power the popular 50-passenger Canadair Regional Jet airliner.
Service entry of the CF34-8C1 is scheduled for the year 2000.