The first prototype of Chinese indigenous single aisle passenger jet C919 has took off for its maiden flight today, from Shanghai Pud...
The first prototype of Chinese indigenous single aisle passenger jet C919 has took off for its maiden flight today, from Shanghai Pudong international airport.
The aircraft is intended to break the single aisle passenger jet duopoly held by U.S Boeing 737 and European Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Development of the aircraft began in 2008, by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), which have also developed the ARJ-21 regional jet jointly with Ukrainian Antonov.
The aircraft can seat 168 passengers in a all economy seat class layout and 156 in A two class layout. The basic version will have A range of 4,075 km, while the enhanced version will fly up to 5,555 km.
The C919 airframe is is designed for 90,000 flying hours or 30 calendar years. The aircraft is powered by two CFM LEAP-1C new generation turbofan engines rated at 27,980 – 30,000 pounds thrust each.
COMAC has so far secured 514 commitments from 21 customers, most of which are Chinese airlines and leasing firms.
#Live: #C919, China's first big jetliner, makes its maiden flight in Shanghai. @periscopetv https://t.co/0uCNHxnR6s— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 5, 2017
