Comac C929
C929 | |
---|---|
Role | Long-range wide-body airliner
|
National origin | China
|
Manufacturer | Comac |
Status | Prototype under construction[1] |
The Comac C929 is a planned long-range 250-to-320-seat
The programme was previously developed by CRAIC (China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corporation), a joint venture between Comac and Russian UAC, and the aircraft was formerly known as the CRAIC CR929. Following tensions and disagreements between the partners and uncertainties linked to international sanctions on Russia, Comac is continuing the programme independently of UAC.
Development
In June 2011, Comac was studying the 290-seat C929 and 390-seat C939 wide-body aircraft.[2] In June 2012, after assessing demand, Russia and China were to set up a joint venture between UAC and Comac to develop a successor to the
In May 2014, a memorandum on cooperation was reached and a feasibility study completed in autumn 2014. UAC estimated that wide-body demand worldwide through 2033 amounts to 8,000 aircraft, including 1,000 in China. In November 2014, UAC suggested a range of 12,000 km (6,500 nmi) range while Comac pointed to a gap in the market for a moderate range of 7,400 km (4,000 nmi); initial capacity was targeted for 250-280 seats with later shrink and stretch. In February 2015 preliminary design had begun. A nine-year, $13 billion development program was expected to be launched in 2016, targeting a 2025 introduction. Comac was expected to develop and build the fuselage while UAC handles the composite wing and fin.[4]
In June 2015, an agreement targeted a mid-2021 first flight, with certification and initial deliveries in 2024. The airframe would be 50% composite and 15% titanium; UAC would deliver the first composite wings in 2019–2020.[5] In November 2015, a more fuel-efficient, re-engined version of the
In June 2016, an agreement was signed to set up a 50-50 joint venture.[7] In November 2016, at
CRAIC joint venture
The China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corporation Limited (CRAIC) 50-50 joint venture was launched on May 22, 2017 in Shanghai, targeting a 2025-2028 maiden flight and first delivery. It aims to take 10% of a market dominated by
For 2023–45, UAC and Comac forecast a 7,000 widebodies demand for $1.5 trillion - an average of $214 million, their goal for first delivery is 2027. The 280 passengers capacity over 12,000 km is comparable to the
China could see the joint venture involving joint financial
In September 2017, it was named CR 929 (CR standing for China-Russia), concept approval was slated for 2017, early configuration and preliminary design for 2018, design documentation for 2021, first flight for 2023 and introduction for 2025. It will be powered by a western engine at first before an indigenous power plant is developed between Russia's United Engine Corporation and China's AECC, to start testing in 2022 and be certificated in 2027.[16]
Preliminary design
Suppliers should be selected by 2018 to mid 2019.[17] A request for proposal for the propulsion system, including the engine and nacelle, have been issued on 21 December 2017, to be answered by 30 May 2018.[18] On May 15 at a Shanghai conference on
The general layout and principal geometry was approved on 6 June 2018: the wing span and shape, fuselage length, nose and tail dimensions, fins sizing and form, location of engines, landing gear and doors. Within the same Gate 3, which should be completed by mid-2019, are experimental aerodynamics research, structural materials selection and technical analysis of supplied systems and equipment.[22]
Comac plans to start construction in 2021, conduct the first flight in 2023 and make the first delivery in 2025, two years earlier than planned in November 2016. It should be over 50% composite, maintain
The eight-year schedule could be delayed by multinational management and is shorter than theOn 31 July 2018 was issued a
In November 2018, a mockup of the forward cabin was unveiled at the
Prototyping
By December 2018, Comac produced the first composite forward fuselage prototype, a 15 by 6 m (49 by 20 ft) structure, towards joint definition in the second half of 2019.[32] By early 2019, Concept design was targeted for the end of 2019/early 2020, before the definition phase.[33] Definition freeze was then aimed for the first half of 2022, first flight for 2025 and certification for 2027.[33] By spring 2019, progress was slowed by multinational cooperation challenges and engine selection was expected for September or October.[34] High-speed wind tunnel testing was completed by December 2019 at the Moscow Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute, using a 1:39 scale model of the fuselage and wing.[35]
Tensions between Comac and UAC
By July 2020, Irkut's chief disclosed that the first deliveries were expected to be delayed to 2028-2029, citing "difficulties" for the partners in working together.[36]
By June 2021, China and Russia appeared to have put differences aside in relation to future market share, and confirmed plans to start building a prototype in 2021 with maiden flight in 2023.[37] The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the development pace, however construction of the first prototype began by September 2021.[38] In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, multiple sanctions brought further uncertainty to the venture.[39] As of September 2022, the Russians remained optimistic that testing flights could begin as early as 2030.[40]
In June 2023, news emerged that Comac intended to continue the programme on its own, independently of UAC.[41] In August 2023, UAC CEO Yury Slyusar confirmed Russia's withdrawal but expressed hope that UAC could remain involved as a supplier to the programme.[42] In November 2023, noting that the programme was entering the detailed design stage, Comac confirmed the C929 name and the fact that the aircraft was "now being independently developed by China".[43]
Design
Three variants are planned: the -500 will carry 250 passengers in three classes with a range of 14,000 km (7,560 nmi), the -600 will have 280 seats and a range of 12,000 km (6,480 nmi) and the -700 will carry 320 over 10,000 km (5,400 nmi).[16] A two class layout of the -600 would seat 291 with 243 economy seats and 48 six-abreast business seats, which can be split in eight four-abreast first class seats and 30 business for a seating of 281 in three classes. With a nine-abreast all-economy, the -600 would accommodate 405 to 440 with a seat pitch of 32 and 30 in (81 and 76 cm), respectively.[30]
The two-crew
Engines
A competitive widebody would initially need Western powerplants and onboard systems.[4] The aircraft would need a 77,000–88,000 lbf (340–390 kN) thrust turbofan.[5] Initially, the engine is likely to be supplied by Rolls-Royce or General Electric, who already have products in this class.[45] CRAIC expects a TSFC better by at least 10%.[33]
At the November 2014
A more powerful version of the
China has been working independently on the
Specifications
Variants | CR929-600 |
---|---|
Capacity | 258-280 (3-class seating) |
261-291 (2-class seating) | |
405-440 (1-class seating)[30] | |
Length | 63.755 m (209.17 ft)[53] |
Wingspan | 63.86 m (209.5 ft)[53] |
Height | 17.9 m / 58.7 ft |
Fuselage | 5.92 m / 19.4 ft (width) |
6.07 m / 19.9 ft (height) | |
Cabin max width | 5.61 m / 18.4 ft |
MTOW
|
245 t (540,000 lb)[53] |
Payload | 48.83–50.4 t (107,700–111,100 lb) |
Fuel capacity | 103.7 t (229,000 lb) |
Turbofans (x2) | TBA |
Thrust | 78,000 lbf (347 kN)[19] |
Cruise | Mach 0.85 (490 kn; 908 km/h) |
Range | 12,000 km / 6,480 nmi |
See also
- Comac C919
- Irkut MC-21
- Ilyushin Il-96
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
- List of jet airliners
- List of civil aircraft
References
- ^ "Wings of China-Russia aircraft prototype start production, summit told". SHINE News. 2021-12-03.
- ^ "China's Comac Joins Commercial Passenger Plane Industry". The Chosun Ilbo. June 30, 2011.
- ^ Tom Zaitsev (1 June 2012). "Russia and China discuss Il-96 successor". Air Transport Intelligence. Flightglobal.
- ^ a b c Maxim Pyadushkin and Bradley Perrett (Feb 11, 2015). "Russo-Chinese Widebody Concept Design Underway". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
- ^ a b c Vladimir Karnozov (June 11, 2015). "Russia and China Push for Next-Gen Widebody". Aviation International News.
- ^ Vladimir Karnozov (February 15, 2016). "Russia Backs UAC to Expand Airliner Product Range". Aviation International News.
- ^ "Russia, China Sign JV Agreement to Create Wide-Body Aircraft". China Aviation Daily. Jun 26, 2016.
- ^ China Aviation Daily (3 Nov 2016). "COMAC Debuts Chinese-Russian Wide-Body C929 Model at Zhuhai Airshow" (Press release). COMAC.
- ^ Bradley Perrett. "Comac Foresees A Future Of 'Intelligent Aircraft' May 12, 2017". Aviation Daily. Aviation Week.
- ^ Brenda Goh (May 22, 2017). "China, Russia set up wide-body jet firm in new challenge to Boeing, Airbus". Reuters.
- ^ Gregory Polek (26 January 2021). "Partners Aim To Start CR929 Manufacturing This Year". AIN.
- ^ Greg Waldron (22 May 2017). "Comac, UAC set up joint venture for widebody effort". Flightglobal.
- ^ Maxim Pyadushkin (May 22, 2017). "UAC And Comac Developing Widebody Aircraft". Aviation Daily. Aviation Week Network.
- ^ Richard Aboulafia (Jul 17, 2017). "Opinion: Why Sino-Russian Widebody Project Is Not Another Airbus". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
- ^ Zhu Wenqian (23 Sep 2017). "C929 fuselage will be made in China". China Daily.
- ^ a b Greg Waldron (29 Sep 2017). "UAC and Comac christen widebody family as CR 929". Flightglobal.
- ^ David Kaminski Morrow (22 Dec 2017). "Supplier selection nears for Russian-Chinese CR929". Flightglobal.
- ^ Mavis Toh (26 Dec 2017). "Engine RFP issued for Chinese-Russian CR929". Flightglobal.
- ^ a b Bradley Perrett and Maxim Pyadushkin (May 23, 2018). "Comac CR929 Now Larger Than Airbus A330". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
- ^ Mavis Toh (31 May 2018). "Sino-Russian widebody gets seven proposals for engine". Flightglobal.
- ^ a b Bradley Perrett; Maxim Pyadushkin (Aug 10, 2018). "Chinese, European, Russian Contenders For CR929 Landing Gear". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
- ^ "PJSC UAC and COMAC Approved the General Layout of CR929 Aircraft" (Press release). UAC. 8 June 2018.
- ^ Bradley Perrett (Jun 12, 2018). "Craic Moves CR929 First Delivery Forward To 2025". Aviation Week Network.
- ^ Bradley Perrett (Jun 21, 2018). "Craic Cuts CR929 Schedule By Two Years". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
- ^ Vladimir Karnozov (July 9, 2018). "Kremlin Boosts Effort toward 'Indigenization' of SSJ100". AIN online.
- ^ David Kaminski Morrow (2 Aug 2018). "CR929 programme seeks landing-gear supplier". Flightglobal.
- ^ Bradley Perrett (Aug 2, 2018). "CR929 Landing Gear Candidates Revealed". Aviation Week Network.
- ^ Gianni Dragoni (9 Oct 2018). "Leonardo in corsa per il maxi-piano cinese di Comac". Il Sole 24 Ore (in Italian).
- ^ "Leonardo and Kangde Investment Group of China agree guiding principles to partner on the new COMAC CR929 long range airliner" (PDF) (Press release). Leonardo. 26 October 2018.
- ^ a b c d Vladimir Karnozov (November 6, 2018). "CR929 Mockup Unveiled at Airshow China 2018". AIN online.
- ^ Vladimir Karnozov (November 7, 2018). "UAC Head Details CR929 Market Outlook and Timetable". AIN online.
- ^ Mavis Toh (27 Dec 2018). "China produces CR929 composite forward fuselage". Flightglobal.
- ^ a b c Mavis Toh (25 Feb 2019). "CR929 boss details progress, timeline". Flightglobal.
- ^ Bradley Perrett (Apr 30, 2019). "Coordination Challenge Slows Craic CR929 Engine Choice". Aviation Week Network.
- ^ David Kaminski-Morrow (12 December 2019). "High-speed CR929 model tested in windtunnel". Flightglobal.
- ^ Alfred Chua (13 July 2020). "CR929 faces delays amid Beijing, Moscow differences". Flightglobal.
- ^ "China And Russia Want To Start Building The 1st CR929 This Year". Simple Flying. 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
- ^ "Widebody Challenger: The CRAIC CR929 Is Now Under Production". Simple Flying. 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
- ^ "Sino-Russian CR929 to be another casualty of Ukraine invasion".
- ^ "First Flight Of CR929 Slips To 2030, Seven Years Behind Schedule". 15 September 2022.
- ^ Ostrower, Jon (20 June 2023). "Paris Day 2: China & Russia Split". The Air Current.
- ^ Flottau, Jens (22 August 2023). "Russia's Exit From CR929 JV Underlines Sanctions Impact". Aviation Week Network.
- ^ Chua, Alfred (6 November 2023). "Comac confirms 'C929' moniker as widebody enters 'detailed design' stage". Flight Global.
- ^ "Mock-up reveals CR929 cockpit and cabin ideas". Flightglobal. 9 Nov 2018.
- ^ Gregory Polek (September 20, 2017). "Russia and China to Partner on Engine for New Widebody". AIN.
- ^ David Kaminski-Morrow (20 Sep 2017). "Russian-Chinese tie-up to develop new long-haul jet engine". Flightglobal.
- TASS. June 20, 2016.
- ^ "Dmitry Rogozin: an engine for a new transport aircraft may be derived from NK-32". Russian Aviation. August 17, 2015.
- ^ Bradley Perrett (Jun 1, 2018). "China Moving Ahead With Widebody Engine". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
- ^ "An identical 225 large engine will be assembled or tested in China". BestChinaNews. 2017-06-03. Archived from the original on 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
- ^ "中国CR929客机"大心脏"确定,乌克兰的大涵道已经无望". Sohu (in Chinese). 2017-10-20. Archived from the original on 2020-01-27. Retrieved 2017-11-11.
- ^ Bradley Perrett (12 Oct 2015). "Treading Carefully" (PDF). Aviation Week & Space Technology. Full-scale development of a Chinese and Russian 787-10 competitor looks imminent.
- ^ a b c Bradley Perrett (Nov 9, 2018). "CR929 Schedule May Be Optimistic, UAC Says". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
External links
- Official website
- COMAC America Archived 2019-12-01 at the Wayback Machine
- Vladimir Karnozov (April 20, 2019). "UAC Denies Media Reports on CR929 Sales Dispute with COMAC". AIN online.