Aerospace

China’s first C919 passenger jet completes its first flight, Before delivery.

COMAC C919 aircraft Receives more than 1,000 jet orders

In Shanghai, China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) successfully completed its first pre-delivery flight test. COMAC is a state-owned jet manufacturer with the potential to reduce China’s reliance on commercial aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. The C919 aircraft could eventually replace the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 in the global aviation industry.

The C919 aircraft with the registration B-001J took off from Shanghai International Pudong Airport at 6:52 a.m. (Beijing time) and landed at 9:54 a.m., according to a new website called Global Times. According to COMAC’s official website, the commercial aircraft completed its scheduled missions, functioned well, and was in good shape. The jet will be delivered to China Eastern Airlines.

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The aircraft, primarily constructed with aluminium alloys, is to be powered by either CFM International LEAP or ACAE CJ-1000A turbofan engines, and be able to carry 156 to 168 passengers in a normal operating configuration up to 5,555 km (3000 nmi). As of 31 August 2018, Comac has 1008 commitments including 305 firm orders, mostly from Chinese leasing companies or airlines.

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The COMAC C919, China’s first self-developed commercial aircraft, was debuted in 2007. The plane has 158-168 seats and a range of 4,075-5,555 kilometres, making it comparable to the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320 family of aircraft. It successfully completed its first flight in 2017.

COMAC and China Eastern Airlines signed a five-plane purchase agreement in March 2021, marking the plane’s formal market debut. According to the airline, the new planes would be used on flights from Shanghai to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. China Eastern Airlines has agreed to buy five C919 planes at a list price of $99 million each.

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At Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the C919 performed its first pre-delivery flight test. The aircraft (B-001J, MSN107) completed a 3-hour test session on May 14, 2022, according to Comac. The aircraft, which will be painted in the livery of China Eastern subsidiary OTT Airlines, will be delivered this year.

Let us know what you think of China’s new home-built airplane, the Comac C919.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.