Aerospace

Chinese C919 Challenges Airbus and Boeing at Singapore Airshow 2024

Comac is set to fly to five Southeast Asian countries for a C919 and ARJ21 demonstration tour

Light Chinese Music, Mood Lighting, beautifully designed Air Vents with Blue mood lighting, together with one of the sleekest looking beige color seats. This is the view which greets you as you board the first C919 from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). At first glance, most people would have mistaken this aircraft to be an Airbus or Boeing aircraft, but COMAC has no links to either of the 2 major aerospace companies.

The C919 is a significant achievement for China’s aviation industry, as it demonstrates its capability to design and produce a large commercial aircraft that meets international standards. The C919 also represents China’s ambition to challenge the dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the narrow-body market and to offer a competitive alternative for domestic and foreign airlines. Making its international debut at the Singapore Airshow, this aircraft has generated much buzz within the aviation industry.

A brief history

First conceptualized in 2008, the C919 had its maiden flight on 5 May 2017, with the aircraft receiving Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) type certification in 29 September 2022. The first production airframe was delivered to China Eastern Airlines on 9 December 2022 and was put into commercial passenger service on 28 May 2023. The aerodynamics of the aircraft was designed in collaboration with the Tianhe 2 supercomputer,

Features of the C919

Featuring a supercritical wing that reduces drag by 8%, together with increasing aerodynamic efficiency by 20%, the C919 also has integrated winglets. Powered. G the CFM International LEAP-1C turbofan engines, reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions, therefore making the CFM highly efficient and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, CFM LEAP engines have been chosen to power other airliners of similar type, such as the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX family. The C919 also features a fly-by-wire system, a glass cockpit and a Honeywell flight control system, therefore making the aircraft comparable to its western counterparts.

Variants of C919

To meet the varying needs of customers, the C919 has multiple variants, including some custom-made for the Asian market. Let’s dive into some of the variants

C919-100 (Extended Range)

Purchased and currently being operated by most notably, China Eastern Airlines. the world’s first C919 is of an extended-range variant. It features additional fuel tanks, together with the presence of winglets for improved aerodynamics. With a passenger load of a maximum of 192 passengers in a high-density configuration, the C919-100(ER) can fly for a maximum range of 5556km. This variant is currently operated by China Eastern Airlines.

C919 Shortened/Plateau

Designed to be able to take off and land at China’s high-altitude airports, this variant is a modified version of the C919-100 and can seat up to 140 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. It has a shortened fuselage and specific modifications such as strengthened landing gear for improved takeoff and landing performance at airports above 7500 feet. This is especially suitable for the high mountainous regions of China, such as in the Tibetan-Himalayan Plateau, where the density of the air is lower compared to regular airports. One of the routes on which this aircraft would be used would be the Lhasa – Chengdu route, where this aircraft would have a better takeoff and landing performance relative to its non-modified counterparts.

C919 Stretched Variant

This is a further stretched variant of the C919, which can seat at least 200 passengers in a two-class configuration, or 240 passengers in a high-density out. It has a similar range as the standard configuration C919 aircraft and is designed with the large-scale market in mind. This aircraft is designed to compete with the likes of the Airbus A321LR, and the Boeing 737 Max family.

However, the C919 still faces many challenges, such as gaining international recognition, expanding its customer base, and developing its after-sales service network. This is particularly essential as a large proportion of the C919 orders in the backlog are from Chinese carriers, instead of having a wide range of customers compared to Airbus with their A320 family, and Boeing with their B737 family. Furthermore, since the aircraft is still rather new, it has only received certification from CAAC and therefore requires certification by a wider range of governmental agencies.

The C919 will also have to contend with the fierce competition from the established and emerging players in the aviation market, such as Airbus, Boeing and Embraer. The C919’s success will depend on its performance, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, as well as the support from the Chinese government and the aviation industry.

Author : En Jie Ooi (instgram)

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.