COMAC reports C919 flight testing is complete
Seven C919s have been built and flown to date, with test flights at four locations across China. Composites continue to be key elements for the nacelle system, aircraft tail and more.
An inlet for the C919 nacelle system is inspected at Middle River Aerostructure Systems’ production facility prior to shipment. Photo Credit: MRAS
As reported by Airframer, the COMAC C919 narrowbody airliner, developed by Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC, Shanghai), has completed all test flights required to obtain its airworthiness certificate. According to COMAC, more than 800 orders/commitments have been received for the C919, which is configured for 158-168 seats and a range of 4,075-5,555 kilometers.
The C919 features a few innovations. According to nacelle system solutions provider Nexcelle (Cincinnati, Ohio), the aircraft features the world’s first integrated propulsion system (IPS) for commercial jetliners, which brings the Nexcelle joint venture-supplied nacelle, thrust reverser and exhaust system together with CFM International’s (Cincinnati) LEAP-1C powerplant.
A key element is the nacelle system’s single-piece composite translating O-Duct thrust reverser, which replaces the two-piece “D” doors on traditional thrust reversers, enhancing the internal airflow path, improving fuel consumption and increasing thrust reverser efficiency when deployed. The LEAP-1C’s fan cowl is another featured innovation, Nexcelle says, which is structurally integrated to the engine, along with an integrated mounting system for the nacelle that reduces engine distortion and enhances on-wing performance. Extensive use of lightweight, state-of-the-art noise-attenuating composite materials is thanks to parent companies Safran Nacelles (Paris, France) and ST Engineering’s Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS, Middle River, Md., U.S.). Safran Nacelles developed and supplies the O-Duct thrust reverser and MRAS is responsible for supplying the nacelle’s inlet, fan cowls, inner fixed structure and engine mounts.
Also included in the technological advances is the nacelle’s low-drag front end, which incorporates an air inlet with a one-piece lip skin to improve airflow and contributes to lower noise. The inlet also features a directed flow nozzle deicing system that more efficiently swirls engine bleed air within the inlet lip.
Moreover, composites material supplier Solvay (Alpharetta, Ga. U.S.) has continued its long-term supply agreement for high-performance, structural composite and adhesive materials in the aircraft’s production. In 2020, Jiangsu Hengshen Co. Ltd. (Hengshen, Danyang City, China) signed an agreement with COMAC to deliver specialized components for the C919 aircraft composite tail optimization project.
Nexcelle and its parent companies have supported the C919’s flight test program, which involved six aircraft operating from four locations across China. In May, COMAC performed the first flight of the seventh C919, which is the initial production jetliner to be delivered for an airline customer; the OTT Airlines regional subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines.
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