Page 27 - AAA JUNE - JULY 2017 Online Magazine

FEATURE NEW AIRCRAFT

Far in the Distance

China and Russia formally inaugurate new long-range widebody jetliner programme
By Atul Chandra

stAte oWned ComPAnies beLonging to
China and Russia have formally inaugurated
a Long Range Widebody Commercial Aircraft
Programme joint venture which has been
given the name China-Russia Commercial
Aircraft International Co., Ltd. (CRAIC).
China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation
of China, Ltd (COMAC) and Russia’s United
Aircraft Corporation of Russia (UAC) are
taking part in the new JV, which will be
responsible for the development of a new
generation long range wide body jetliner. The
JV will also handle commercial operations
related to the aircraft and was inked in June
2016. Aircraft development is expected
to take a decade and first deliveries are
planned for 2028.
Current plans call for a stretched and
shortened series of long-range widebody
commercial aircraft, with a basic range of
12,000 km and three-class seating for 280
passengers. The preliminary design phase
is expected to start soon. CRAIC as the but simple, despite China’s burning ambition of 4075 km, the extended range version will
programme operator and main manufacturer to be seen as an aircraft manufacturing it be able to fly 5555 km. According to COMAC,
will be responsible for product and its own right and its willingness to invest third-generation aluminium-lithium alloys
technology development, manufacturing, large sums of manpower and money into and composite materials account for 26.2
marketing, sales and customer service, such projects. Russian designed and built percent of the C919s weight. One of the
consulting, programme management and commercial aircraft have been less than major partners in the C919 programme is
other related fields. Final assembly of successful in attracting interest from mature Safran, which has supplied the complete
the aircraft will take place in Shanghai. and developing aircraft markets, however, propulsion system, comprising the LEAP-1C
“The establishment of CRAIC marking an China’s large domestic market could result in engine from CFM International, nacelle and
important progress for the Long Range sizeable orders for the new widebody jetliner thrust reverser from Nexcelle. COMAC was
Wide Body Commercial Aircraft Program. type or at the very least allow Chinese the first aircraft manufacturer to choose
COMAC and UAC shall cooperate and unit carriers to force better discounts on jetliner the LEAP engine, which is the sole Western
as one, …… in accordance with international purchases from Airbus and Boeing. COMAC powerplant on the C919. CAE’s 7000 Series
mainstream airworthiness standards, also has substantial experience working with Full Flight Simulators (FFSs) have also been
we will develop a competitive long range Western OEMs on aircraft programmes such supplied for the C919.
wide body commercial aircraft, provide as the ARJ21 and C919.
a better service to the airlines and more The C919 undertook its maiden flight
contribution to the global aviation market,” in May, completing a flight of one hour 19 The China-Russia Commercial
said COMAC Chairman Jin Zhuanglong minutes duration and reached an altitude Aircraft International Co., Ltd.
at the inaugral event. “We would like to of 3,000 metres. The second flight test (CRAIC) will design and develop
develop the wide body aircraft together, aircraft is scheduled to complete the first a new Family of long-range
aircraft,
widebody
commercial
ensure the performance of manufacturing, flight in the second half of the year. A that will be available in stretched
operation, after sale’s service, marketing total of six prototypes will be part of the and shortened series. Initial
and sales, etc,” said UAC President Yury developmental flight testing effort. The information on the type mentions
Slyusar. Development of the proposed C919 can seat between 158-168 passengers a three-class seating layout for 280
passengers and a basic range of
aircraft family is expected to be anything and while the standard version has a range 12,000 km
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