ISHIKAWAJIMA-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) of Japan is to take a 25% stake in the development and production of the up-rated General Electric CF34-8C turbofan engine.
IHI's work-share has yet to be finalised, but it is understood that it will centre on the engine's accessory gearbox, low-pressure turbine and part of the high-pressure compressor.
The 62kN (14,000lb)-thrust engine has already been selected for the yet-to-be-launched 70-seat Canadair RJ stretch aircraft, planned to fly in 1998.
It is also being viewed as a possible contender to power Japan's proposed YS-X regional aircraft, according to industry sources. The engine would require a larger fan, but its compressor is considered to have sufficient growth potential to generate the 71-89kN thrust required for the 90-110-seat YS-X.
The CF34-8C project further extends co-operation between IHI and the US engine manufacturer. The Japanese company already has an 8% stake in the GE90 programme and plans to manufacture up to 40% of the F110-129 engine for Japan's FS-X support fighter.
Source: Flight International
