Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has rolled out the first prototype of the C919 single aisle passenger jet, the first...
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has rolled out the first prototype of the C919 single aisle passenger jet, the first new generation commercial aircraft built by China.
COMAC says all the major systems has been installed and maiden flight is targeted for 2016. The roll out is a major milestone for a program that began in 2008.
The short-medium range airliner will be available in two variants, one with an all economy class layout of 168 seats and other with hybrid class layout with 156 seats. The basic version will have range of 4,075 km, while the enhanced version can fly to 5,555 km. The airframe is is designed for 90,000 flying hours/30 calendar years.
C919 will be the largest commercial airliner designed and built in China since the defunct four engined Shanghai Y-10, developed in the 1970s.
The aircraft is powered by two CFM LEAP-1C new generation turbofan engines rated at 27,980 – 30,000 pounds thrust each. The LEAP engines will deliver a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, as compared to the current CFM56-7BE, saving an estimated nearly $3 million per plane.
COMAC has so far secured 514 commitments from 21 customers, most of which are domestic airlines and leasing firms.
COMAC was formed in 2008 to spearhead Chinese indigenous civil aircraft development and is headquartered in Shanghai. The company has also developed a regional aircraft called ARJ-21 that can seat from 78-90 passengers and is scheduled for maiden delivery later this year.
