MONTREAL, CANADA – May 7, 2013 – Research and development efforts continue on new technology for the next-generation turbofan and turboprop engines for regional aviation. GE Aviation spends about $1 billion annually on research and development efforts.
“GE Aviation is committed to the regional aviation segment, and we are looking to the future with our NG34 turbofan and CPX turboprop technology development programs,” said Allen Paxson, general manager of the CF34 Engine Program at GE Aviation. “We continue to develop advanced technologies and material to improve fuel efficiency, enhance durability and lower overall cost of ownership while maintaining our outstanding reliability that set the standard for regional aviation.”
The NG34 technology development program is focused on advances to lower specific fuel consumption (SFC) by at least 15 percent compared to current engines in this segment, up to 15 percent lower cost of ownership and 35 percent margin to CAEP/6 NOx emissions and 15 EPNdB margin to Stage 4 noise requirements while continuing the CF34’s 99.95 percent dispatch reliability. This year, testing will begin on the third eCore demonstrator. GE’s eCore program is the technology cornerstone for the next-generation turbofan engines and features a higher pressure ratio compressor and other advanced technologies and material.
The CPX turboprop technology development program is targeting the next-generation 70 to 90 seat turboprop airframe. The program will feature at least 15 percent lower SFC and will be designed for severe environments. The simple, modular design will incorporate proven GE technologies, and GE can provide an integrated turboprop propulsion system with one support team. Research on the CPX technologies continue in 2013 with a focus on enhanced propulsion system aerodynamics for noise and efficiency benefits.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet, turboprop and turboshaft engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation. Follow GE Aviation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GEAviation and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/GEAviation.
