CIVIL NEWS
The fourth prototype of the COMAC C919, B-001E (c/n 004), successfully completed its maiden flight at Shanghai/ Pudong International Airport on August 1. On the 1hr 25mins sortie, the twin-engine narrowbody airliner’s flight envelope was quickly expanded and its basic systems tested. As the fourth aircraft to enter the flight development and certification programme, it will be used to fully test the type’s advanced avionics system, take-off and landing performance, automatic flight system and determine how it handles in natural icing conditions. Development of the 156 to 168-seat C919 began in 2008 with the first prototype taking to the air on May 5, 2017. COMAC said it is planning to complete the flight-testing and certification process by 2021 allowing first deliveries to the launch customer, China Eastern Airlines. The C919 is intended to compete primarily with the Boeing 737 MAX and A320neo families.