China unveils first large passenger plane
You're referring to the COMAC C919!
On May 5, 2017, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) unveiled its first large passenger plane, the C919, at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in China. The C919 is a narrow-body, single-aisle jet airliner designed to compete with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
Here are some key features and facts about the COMAC C919:
- Capacity: The C919 can seat up to 168 passengers in a single-class configuration, or 156 passengers in a two-class configuration.
- Range: The plane has a range of approximately 5,500 kilometers (3,418 miles), making it suitable for medium-haul flights.
- Engines: The C919 is powered by two LEAP-1C engines, developed by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines.
- Design: The plane features a modern, aerodynamic design with a distinctive curved wing shape and a large, curved windshield.
- Avionics: The C919 is equipped with a modern avionics system, including a fly-by-wire flight control system and a digital cockpit.
- Production: The C919 is being manufactured at COMAC's factory in Shanghai, with a production rate of 15-20 aircraft per year.
- Certification: The C919 received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in December 2017, making it the first Chinese-designed commercial airliner to receive certification.
- Orders: As of 2022, the C919 has received over 1,000 orders from Chinese and international airlines, including Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Shenzhen Airlines.
The COMAC C919 is a significant milestone in China's aviation industry, marking the country's entry into the global commercial aircraft market. While it still faces competition from established players like Boeing and Airbus, the C919 is expected to play a key role in China's plans to become a major player in the global aviation industry.