Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
Bombardier has selected General Electric and Pratt & Whitney respectively to power its proposed new-generation regional jets, the CRJ-900 and the BRJ-X-110.
The engine selections form a critical milestone and, for the BRJ-X-110 in particular, the decision is a vital step towards potential launch later this year. The Canadian manufacturer declines to comment on the selection, which is believed to involve the GE CF34 for the CRJ-900 and the P&W PW6000 for the BRJ-X.
Bombardier's choice of the CF34 is not unexpected, given its links with the engine on all other models of the successful regional jet family, of which the -900 will be a derivative. Bombardier also plans to use an uprated version of the CF34-8C, rather than opt for the more powerful -10 derivative, under development for competing 90-seaters planned by Embraer and Fairchild. The thrust of the smaller engine will be boosted by up to 10% for the role, although GE declines to confirm its selection or the engineering changes.
The choice of the PW6000, when confirmed, will be a major breakthrough for P&W, which competed for the BRJ-X against CFM International, with the CFM56, and Rolls-Royce, with the BR710.
P&W was eager to secure the regional jet project, which provides only the second opportunity for the new engine after the hard-won Airbus A318 programme. P&W was understood to be entering an exclusive agreement with Bombardier for the PW6000 as Flight International closed for press.
Engine selection clears the way for the formal launch of the BRJ-X, expected within months. The BRJ-X, an all-new low-wing design, is intended as a replacement for early Boeing 737s and McDonnell Douglas DC-9s - a market estimated at 2,000 aircraft over 20 years. Pending a launch this year, the BRJ-X is due for certification in 2003 and entry into service in 2004.
The CRJ-900 is a simpler, "minimum change", stretch of the CRJ-700 and is lighter than competing 90-seat designs. It is aimed at the British Aerospace 146/ Fokker 100 replacement market, estimated at 800 aircraft over the next 20 years. The stretch is on offer to airlines, and engine selection is believed to be a required milestone before the manufacturer gets formal authority from its board to offer.
If launched by the end of this quarter, the CRJ-900 could fly by the first quarter of 2001, with deliveries starting in mid-2002. Development costs are estimated at around $140 million.
Source: Flight International
