Second prototype C919 jet - Source: Xinhua
Second prototype of China's C919 jet conducts test
flight: state TV
DECEMBER 17, 2017 / 12:36 PM
Reuters Staff
BEIJING (Reuters) - A second prototype of China’s
home-built C919 passenger jet took off for a test flight in Shanghai on Sunday,
state television reported, another step forward in the country’s ambitions to
muscle in to the global jet market.
A total of six prototypes will eventually conduct test
flights, China Central Television reported, with engine tests to be a
particular focus.
The aim was to conduct another long-distance test flight
in late January, chief engineer Wang Wei was quoted as saying. More than 1,000
tests would be carried out.
The narrow-body aircraft, which will compete with
Boeing’s 737 and the Airbus A320, is a symbol of China’s ambitions to penetrate
the global passenger jet market, estimated to be worth $2 trillion over the
next 20 years.
The C919 made its maiden flight on May 5 after numerous
delays. Analysts have questioned the long periods between previous test
flights.
It completed its first long-distance flight on Nov. 10,
flying for 2 hours and 23 minutes from Shanghai to the central Chinese city of
Xi‘an, covering more than 1,300 km (800 miles) and reaching an altitude of
7,800 meters (25,590 feet).
Its manufacturer, the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China
Ltd (COMAC) [CMAFC.UL], called the maiden flight a milestone that marked the
plane’s move into an airworthiness certification phase.
COMAC is aiming to obtain certification for the plane
from Chinese regulators as well as Europe’s aviation safety regulator, which
agreed in April to start the certification process.
The plane has dozens of customers who have placed orders
and commitments for 785 jets, COMAC has said.
Reporting by Judy Hua and Benjamin Kang Lim; Editing by
Paul Tait
Original post: reuters.com
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