China's C919 Jet Starts Test Flight

Comac C919
Comac C919 (photo: COMAC/ Aviation International News)
By Mei ManuelDecember 17th, 2017

The second prototype of China's very own C919 passenger jet conducted its test flight in Shanghai on Sunday according to state television reports as part of its aims to become another player in the global aviation market.

According to the report of China Central Television, at least six prototypes will be tested to see how well they perform in flight and also see if their engines do not malfunction. Quoting chief engineer Wang Wei's statement, the team aims to conduct another long-distance test flight in January and at least 1,000 more tests will be done.

The C919 made its maiden flight on May 5 after several delays, prompting analysts to question why there are long periods in between test flights. It made its first complete long-distance flight on November 10, flying for 2 hours and 23 minutes from Shanghai to Xi'an and reached an altitude of 7,800 meters.

According to its manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd, the maiden flight is a milestone that marks the airplane's move to an airworthiness certification phase. The company also aims to obtain its certification from both Chinese and European safety regulators soon as agreed in April.

The manufacturer also shares that there are already several customers who have placed their orders and commitments for the 785 C919 jets.

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