Comac ARJ21
The Comac ARJ21 Advanced Regional Jet Xiangfeng (Chinese翔凤, Pinyin: Xiangfeng, meaning: ascending phoenix ) (until 2009: ACAC ARJ21 ) is the first jet-powered regional aircraft, which was fully developed in the People's Republic of China and is to be built there. There are two versions available, which are designed to provide a capacity of 70 to 100 passengers, and thus in competition with western patterns (Bombardier and Embraer E-Jets CRJ700/900 ) and the Russian Sukhoi Superjet occur.
History
The program of the ARJ was launched in 2002. At this time, the first delivery to customers was planned for 2007. The planning of the entire aircraft was finished in 2005, as well as the development of the engines from General Electric. Shortly thereafter began the production of the first parts. Final assembly began in March 2007, was rolled out December 21, 2007 and the one-hour maiden flight with test pilot Zhao Peng on board was held in Shanghai on 28 November 2008. Admission to the conclusion of the conducted with four prototypes testing program should be obtained in 2010, but has been delayed several times. In the spring of 2013 it was already clear that a certification and delivery in 2013 is almost impossible. The date of the first delivery of a series machine the end of 2014 is currently being targeted. The approval is accompanied by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and is to be obtained later under its European counterpart EASA.
Orders were up to this time at 340 pieces, the largest order of 100 pieces comes from Henan Airlines.
Design
The ARJ21 will use components that were originally provided by McDonnell Douglas for the license production of the McDonnell Douglas MD -90 in China. Therefore, one can also detect fast great similarities with this aircraft, in the form of virtually identical fuselage cross -section, the nose profile or tails. However, a completely new supercritical wing with winglets of Antonov was developed. The avionics comes from Rockwell Collins, the engine from GE, Honeywell and flight control of the lighting of Goodrich Hella. The suspension system and air systems provides Liebherr. The entire cab equipment is supplied by the Austrian company FACC.
Variants
- ARJ21 -700 - This base variant will have a capacity of 70 to 80 passengers, and thus enter into direct competition with the Bombardier CRJ700 and Embraer 170.
- ARJ21 -900 - This model will receive a lengthened fuselage and can accommodate 90 to 100 passengers. Thus one would like to compete with the Bombardier CRJ900 and Embraer 190.
- ARJ21F - This version is the freight version of the ARJ21 -700 dar. transporting it to five LD7 containers or PIP pallets.
- ARJ21B - The ARJ21 -700 is to be offered under this name as a business jet. One possible configuration would provide space for 20 passengers.
Manufacturer
The ACAC consortium was formed to develop this aircraft. The parts for the regional jet will be fabricated by the individual members of the consortium:
- Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group will build the "nose".
- Shanghai Aircraft Company, the aircraft final assembly.
- Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, the wings and the fuselage design.
- Shanghai Aircraft Research Institute and Xian Aircraft Design and Research Institute are responsible for the ( further) development of the aircraft.
In 2009, the ACAC consortium was incorporated into the COMAC Group. The ARJ21 has since been sold under the name Comac ARJ21.