CRJ-X
CRJ-X is the designation given to Canadair's planned 70-seat growth derivative of its 50-seat Regional Jet (CRJ). The basic Regional Jet entered service in 1992.
The 50-seat Regional Jet, which was given its go-ahead in March 1989, is essentially a stretched development of the Challenger business jet, and more than 200 have been sold to date. Design work on the 70-seater has been under way for several years, and Canadair announced at the Farnborough air show in September that it had received authority from the Bombardier board to offer the new model. A formal launch of the programme is expected in late 1996, or early 1997, with roll-out scheduled for the first quarter of 1999, and entry into service targeted for the third quarter of 2000.
The new aircraft will feature a fuselage stretch and an enlarged wing and empennage, combined with more powerful engines, and will typically seat 70 passengers in a single-class 790mm-pitch layout. In February 1995, Bombardier selected the 58.2kN GE CF34-8 engine to power the CRJ-X, a growth derivative of the 50-seater's CF34-3 power plant.
The CRJ-X's modified wing will incorporate a larger root plug, leading-edge extensions and high-lift slat devices for improved airfield performance. The horizontal tail will also be larger than that of the standard model.
Canadair is seeking to maximise commonality with the existing Regional Jet, and it is intended to achieve a common pilot type-rating with the standard RJ.
Production - While the current versions of the Regional Jet are assembled at the Canadair plant at Dorval, Montreal, Quebec, no decision has been taken on the location of final assembly.
Source: Flight International
