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CRAIC C929 / CR929

2027 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

History

The new Sino-Russian partnership was launched in May 2017, with COMAC and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) trying to launch a new, cost-effective wide-body airliner. The product is designed to compete directly with Boeing 777/787 models and the Airbus A330/A340/A380 family.

The teams will operate under the product banner of the China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corporation (CRAIC), headquartered in Shanghai, China (though design will take place in Moscow, Russia).

This product is tentatively called "C929".

Three basic design variants will be created: a short-haul version with a capacity of 230 people and a medium-haul version with a capacity of about 280 people (economy class seats and 9 transverse seats). Long-haul aircraft can accommodate up to 320 passengers.

The typical range for midsize aircraft designs is expected to be up to 7,500 miles, with performance (rather interestingly) from foreign engine brands (formerly known as British Rolls-Royce or American General Electric). The main objective of the project is to improve the operating cost efficiency of the airline. To support this, a main-wing aircraft is said to be in action, constructed primarily of advanced composite materials, the technology up to half of the fuselage will be outfitted with extensive integrated circuits to provide the necessary electrical services for various planned components .

The initial design phase is planned to run from 2017 to the end of 2018, when certification will take place the following year. The first flight is tentatively scheduled for 2024, with the first deliveries due before the end of the next decade.

The joint partnership hopes to launch the new product line sometime in the late 2020s.

According to UAC's presentation, the C929 is expected to retain the traditional design arrangement, including the forward-facing cockpit, tubular fuselage and single-tail stabilizer. Engine pairings on each wing are underrated (one engine per wing), and the wings are swept back by the main aircraft while being covered by finely contoured winglets for improved efficiency.

Most of the aircraft's proposed improvements will be made in-house.

The performance specifications provided on this page are primarily based on competing design estimates and will be revised as new information permits.