Comac C929

Last updated
C929
(SGP-Singapore) Comac C929 model @ Singapore Airshow 2024-02-25 (2).jpg
Model of a C929 at the 2024 Singapore Airshow
General information
Type Wide-body jet airliner
National origin China
Manufacturer Comac
StatusIn design [1]

The Comac C929 is an under development long-range 250-to-320-seat wide-body twinjet airliner by Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer Comac as a competitor to the Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Contents

The programme was previously developed by the CRAIC (China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corporation), a joint venture between Comac and Russia's largely state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), as the CRAIC CR929. Following tensions between the partners and uncertainties linked to international sanctions on Russia, Comac is continuing the programme independently of UAC.

Development

In June 2011, it was reported that Comac was studying the 290-seat C929 and 390-seat C939 wide-body aircraft. [2] In June 2012, Russia and China entered talks to set up a joint venture between UAC and Comac to develop a successor to the Il-96. Development was expected to take at least seven years and cost $7–12 billion, with a production target of several hundred aircraft. Russia would contribute its knowledge and China would provide the resources. [3]

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. Preliminary design began in February 2015. [4] In June 2016, an agreement was signed to set up a 50-50 joint venture. [5] In November 2016, at Zhuhai Airshow, Comac and UAC approached Honeywell and United Technologies as potential suppliers.[ citation needed ] A mock-up was exhibited at the show. [6]

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.

Seating : 1-2-1 in First, 2-2-2 in Business and 3-3-3 in Economy Paris Air Show 2017 COMAC C929 cabin cropped.png
Seating : 1-2-1 in First, 2-2-2 in Business and 3-3-3 in Economy

China saw the joint venture involving joint financial investments, rather than as an intellectual property sale, as Russia wanted with the research and development center in Moscow and the aircraft manufacturing in Shanghai. [7] The main design center was in Russia, although Shanghai was to have its own design office, with half of the work each. [8]

In September 2017, it was named CR 929 (CR standing for China-Russia). It was to be powered by a western engine at first before an indigenous power plant developed by Russia's United Engine Corporation and China's AECC, was to be certified in 2027. [9]

Preliminary design

A request for proposal for the propulsion system, including the engine and nacelle, was issued on 21 December 2017, to be answered by 30 May 2018. [10] On May 15 at a Shanghai conference on aeroengines, the design grew to a 63.25 m (207.5 ft) length, 45 cm (18 in) shorter than the A330-900 but still with nine-abreast economy seating, requiring 78,000 lbf (347 kN) of thrust from each engine. GE produces the 76,100 lbf (339 kN) GEnx-1B76, and Rolls-Royce the 78,129 lbf (347.54 kN) Trent 1000 TEN. [11] CRAIC received seven proposals by the 30 May deadline. [12] The responding engine manufacturers appeared to be Chinese AECC, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and Russian UEC, the three others were for related systems. [13]

2017 mockup CR929 mockup Paris 2017.png
2017 mockup

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. [14]

On 31 July 2018 a request for proposals for the undercarriage was issued, with expected a responses from Europe, China or Russia by the end of November 2018. [15] The US-China trade war did not prevent bidding from UTC Aerospace Systems, which did not seek the contract and Canadian Héroux-Devtek has not received the RFP. [13] Leonardo-Finmeccanica was negotiating to set up a joint venture with Comac and the Chinese Kangde group before the end of October 2018, to produce the fuselage central section in Zhangjiagang for $10 billion until 2040. [16] Leonardo confirmed the joint venture on 26 October. [17]

In November 2018, a mockup of the forward cabin was unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow China. [18]

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. [19] By early 2019, Concept design was targeted for the end of 2019/early 2020, before the definition phase. [20] Definition freeze was then aimed for the first half of 2022, first flight for 2025 and certification for 2027. [20] By spring 2019, progress was slowed by multinational cooperation challenges and engine selection was expected for September or October. [21] 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. [22]

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. [23]

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.[ citation needed ] The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the development pace, however construction of the first prototype began by September 2021.[ citation needed ] In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, multiple sanctions brought further uncertainty to the venture. [24] As of September 2022, the Russians remained optimistic that testing flights could begin as early as 2030. [25]

In June 2023, news emerged that Comac intended to continue the programme on its own, independently of UAC. [26] 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. [27]

Relaunch as Comac C929

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". [28]

In March 2024, Comac announced that the manufacturer aimed to deliver the first fuselage section by September 2027. They said the aircraft was to have 280-400 seats and a range of about 12,000 km. [29]

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). [9] 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. [18]

The two-crew flight deck looks like the Comac C919 with a five-screen EFIS and sidestick controls. [30] Composite materials and titanium should account for half of the structural weight. [18]

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. [31] Initially, the engine is likely to be supplied by Rolls-Royce or General Electric, who already have products in this class. [32] CRAIC expects a TSFC better by at least 10%. [20]

At the November 2014 Zhuhai Airshow, a later high-thrust joint turbofan was discussed between Avic Commercial Aircraft Engines and United Engine Corporation (UEC), with parameters defined in early 2015 for an introduction between 2025 and 2030. [4] In September 2017, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Rostec's UEC and Aero Engine Corporation of China: initially joint research and customer requirements analysis and definition, then determining engine design and operating parameters before testing in 2022 and certification in 2027. [33]

A more powerful version of the Aviadvigatel PD-14 developed for the Irkut MC-21 could be developed after its certification in 2017, with a 50% scaled up core. [31] In May 2016 began the development of a 35 tf (77,000 lbf) Russian engine Aviadvigatel PD-35 for the twinjet, expected to enter service in 2025. [34] A derivative of the Kuznetsov NK-32 PD-30 powering the Tupolev Tu-160 supersonic bomber has also been proposed in August 2015. [35]

China has been working independently on the CJ-2000 engine. [36] Technically, it could also use AI-38 engines co-developed by China and Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress from the 225 kN Progress D-18T of the An-124/An-225, [37] although the MoU between Russian UEC and Chinese AECC made this possibility unlikely. [38]

Orders

In November 2024, Comac announced that Air China would be the launch customer for the C929, though it did not state how many aircraft the airline would order nor the expected delivery date. [39]

Specifications

Specifications [40]
VariantsCR929-600
Capacity258-280 (3-class seating)
261-291 (2-class seating)
405-440 (1-class seating) [18]
Length63.755 m (209.17 ft) [41]
Wingspan63.86 m (209.5 ft) [41]
Height17.9 m (58.7 ft)
Fuselage5.92 m (19.4 ft) (width)
6.07 m (19.9 ft) (height)
Cabin max width5.61 m (18.4 ft)
MTOW 245 t (540,000 lb) [41]
Payload48.83–50.4 t (107,700–111,100 lb)
Fuel capacity103.7 t (229,000 lb)
Turbofans (x2)TBA
Thrust78,000 lbf (347 kN) [11]
CruiseMach 0.85 (490 kn; 908 km/h; 564 mph)
Range6,480 nmi (12,000 km; 7,460 mi)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

  1. ↑ "Wings of China-Russia aircraft prototype start production, summit told". SHINE News . 2021-12-03.
  2. ↑ "China's Comac Joins Commercial Passenger Plane Industry". The Chosun Ilbo . June 30, 2011.
  3. ↑ Tom Zaitsev (1 June 2012). "Russia and China discuss Il-96 successor". Air Transport Intelligence. Flightglobal.
  4. 1 2 3 Maxim Pyadushkin and Bradley Perrett (Feb 11, 2015). "Russo-Chinese Widebody Concept Design Underway". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  5. ↑ "Russia, China Sign JV Agreement to Create Wide-Body Aircraft". China Aviation Daily . Jun 26, 2016.
  6. ↑ China Aviation Daily (3 Nov 2016). "COMAC Debuts Chinese-Russian Wide-Body C929 Model at Zhuhai Airshow" (Press release). COMAC.
  7. ↑ Richard Aboulafia (Jul 17, 2017). "Opinion: Why Sino-Russian Widebody Project Is Not Another Airbus". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  8. ↑ Zhu Wenqian (23 Sep 2017). "C929 fuselage will be made in China". China Daily .
  9. 1 2 Greg Waldron (29 Sep 2017). "UAC and Comac christen widebody family as CR 929". Flightglobal.
  10. ↑ Mavis Toh (26 Dec 2017). "Engine RFP issued for Chinese-Russian CR929". Flightglobal.
  11. 1 2 Bradley Perrett and Maxim Pyadushkin (May 23, 2018). "Comac CR929 Now Larger Than Airbus A330". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  12. ↑ Mavis Toh (31 May 2018). "Sino-Russian widebody gets seven proposals for engine". Flightglobal.
  13. 1 2 Bradley Perrett; Maxim Pyadushkin (Aug 10, 2018). "Chinese, European, Russian Contenders For CR929 Landing Gear". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  14. ↑ "PJSC UAC and COMAC Approved the General Layout of CR929 Aircraft" (Press release). UAC. 8 June 2018.
  15. ↑ David Kaminski Morrow (2 Aug 2018). "CR929 programme seeks landing-gear supplier". Flightglobal.
  16. ↑ Gianni Dragoni (9 Oct 2018). "Leonardo in corsa per il maxi-piano cinese di Comac". Il Sole 24 Ore (in Italian).
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Vladimir Karnozov (November 6, 2018). "CR929 Mockup Unveiled at Airshow China 2018". AIN online.
  19. ↑ Mavis Toh (27 Dec 2018). "China produces CR929 composite forward fuselage". Flightglobal.
  20. 1 2 3 Mavis Toh (25 Feb 2019). "CR929 boss details progress, timeline". Flightglobal.
  21. ↑ Bradley Perrett (Apr 30, 2019). "Coordination Challenge Slows Craic CR929 Engine Choice". Aviation Week Network.
  22. ↑ David Kaminski-Morrow (12 December 2019). "High-speed CR929 model tested in windtunnel". Flightglobal.
  23. ↑ Alfred Chua (13 July 2020). "CR929 faces delays amid Beijing, Moscow differences". Flightglobal.
  24. ↑ "Sino-Russian CR929 to be another casualty of Ukraine invasion".
  25. ↑ "First Flight Of CR929 Slips To 2030, Seven Years Behind Schedule". 15 September 2022.
  26. ↑ Ostrower, Jon (20 June 2023). "Paris Day 2: China & Russia Split". The Air Current.
  27. ↑ Flottau, Jens (22 August 2023). "Russia's Exit From CR929 JV Underlines Sanctions Impact". Aviation Week Network.
  28. ↑ Chua, Alfred (6 November 2023). "Comac confirms 'C929' moniker as widebody enters 'detailed design' stage". Flight Global.
  29. ↑ Barrington, Lisa (26 March 2024). "China's COMAC wide-body C929 jet in 'detailed design stage', official says". Reuters.
  30. ↑ "Mock-up reveals CR929 cockpit and cabin ideas". Flightglobal. 9 Nov 2018.
  31. 1 2 Vladimir Karnozov (June 11, 2015). "Russia and China Push for Next-Gen Widebody". Aviation International News.
  32. ↑ Gregory Polek (September 20, 2017). "Russia and China to Partner on Engine for New Widebody". AIN.
  33. ↑ David Kaminski-Morrow (20 Sep 2017). "Russian-Chinese tie-up to develop new long-haul jet engine". Flightglobal.
  34. ↑ "Moscow starts developing heavy engine for joint Chinese-Russian airliner". TASS . June 20, 2016.
  35. ↑ "Dmitry Rogozin: an engine for a new transport aircraft may be derived from NK-32". Russian Aviation . August 17, 2015.
  36. ↑ Bradley Perrett (Jun 1, 2018). "China Moving Ahead With Widebody Engine". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  37. ↑ "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.
  38. ↑ "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.
  39. ↑ Chua, Alfred (12 November 2024). "Air China signs as Comac C929 launch customer". Flight Global.
  40. ↑ 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.
  41. 1 2 3 Bradley Perrett (Nov 9, 2018). "CR929 Schedule May Be Optimistic, UAC Says". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
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