First passenger aircraft in final tests
SHANGHAI: The C919, the much-anticipated first commercial aircraft for passengers to be made in China, has taken another step closer to its maiden flight by completing its fourth high-speed taxiing test in Shanghai.
It was the C919’s first test with the front landing gear of the plane slightly lifted to simulate takeoff.
The single-aisle, 168-seat, twin-engine jet is now just one step away from its first flight, according to Shanghai- based Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, the Stateowned manufacturer.
Also on Saturday, the C919 received a flight permit from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. It has acquired all the necessary certificates to prepare for its first flight.
Wang Yanan, editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said high-speed taxiing tests are usually conducted at speeds of 230kmp to 260kmp. Judging from current progress, the C919 may need only a few more ground tests, if any, he said.
“Usually, every high-speed test on the ground will be conducted at a faster speed than the previous one, becoming increasingly similar to the real conditions of takeoff. It could be approved quickly if everything went right and no big technical faults occurred,” Wang said.
Fu Qianshao, a researcher at an aviation magazine affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, said the airliner boasts a series of design and technology innovations based on in-depth research into its international counterparts – specifically Boeing’s B737 and the Airbus A320.
For instance, the C919’s front windshield consists of only four pieces, a design that is said to be more fuel efficient and stronger than designs with more panels, usually six on the Boeing 737. — China Daily/Asia News Network