Comac C919: A Revolutionary Advancement in Aviation
The Comac C919 represents a significant milestone in the aircraft manufacturing industry, being China’s first medium-haul passenger jet. As aviation technology evolves, the C919 is poised to challenge established competitors, such as the Boeing B737 and Airbus A320.
Green Credentials of the CFM LEAP-1C Engine
Green credentials: The CFM LEAP-1C engine offers a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions versus current engines, and up to a 50% margin on NOx emissions, says Safran.
Features of the Comac C919
Comac C919: The Comac C919 is China’s first medium-haul passenger jet aircraft.
Competing in the Commercial Aviation Market
Taking on the big boys: The aircraft will be a direct competitor to the Boeing B737 and Airbus A320.
Specifications and Design
Competitors: Like the B737 and A320, it’s a single-aisle, twin-engined aircraft with a seating capacity for up to 180 passengers.
International Airliner Characteristics
International jet-setter: ‘The COMAC C919 is designed to be an ‘international airliner with Chinese characteristics,’ says Cristiano Ceccato of Zaha Hadid Architects.
Testing and Development
Testing: This photo from 2013 shows Comac’s ‘iron bird’ test platform, a plane-like fuselage simulator, in a hangar at the COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute.Maiden flight: Spectators watch the Comac C919 come in to land on its maiden flight at Shanghai’s Pudong airport on May 5, 2017.
Flight Testing Updates
Flight testing: Test pilots emerging from the craft. Comac has built a fleet of six prototype versions of the C919 that have been pacing through a flight testing regime.
Future Prospects
Comac crew: Although the test aircraft are clocking up the air miles, no official date for the first entry into passenger service of the C919 has yet been announced.
Engine Details
Engine: The C919’s LEAP-1C engines are being produced by CFM, a joint venture between US engine-maker GE Aviation and Safran.
