C919's Local Engine Alternative Powered Up

China has successfully achieved power-on for the first CJ-1000AX demonstrator engine, the alternative powerplant for the in-development COMAC C919.

The high-bypass turbofan engine’s core reached a maximum speed of 6,600 rpms, disclosed China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

It adds that since the assembly of the demonstrator engine was completed last December, Chinese manufacturer AECC Commercial Aircraft Engine has overcome numerous issues in connections and debugging. All adjustments were finally completed on 30 March.

With the engine power-on, conducted in a test cell in Shanghai, the ministry says the functionality of its various components and systems have preliminary verification. Subsequent tests will determine the performance of the engine in its entirety.

The CJ-1000AX has a diameter of 1.95m (76.8in) and a length of 3.29m (10.7ft). China plans to build 24 more CJ-1000 prototype engines to support an airworthiness campaign, with entry into service targeted after 2021.

The C919 will initially be powered by CFM International Leap-1C powerplants.

The aero engine industry chain is long and has a wide coverage, which has a huge driving effect on the national economy and technological development. Aero engine project is also a key project in China in recent years. In 2015, the government work report for the first time included aero engine and gas turbine manufacturing in the report, reflecting the unprecedented importance of the state.

Promoted by the national security strategy and the substitution of localization, the engine industry is expected to receive special funds of more than 100 billion yuan. Over the next 20 years, China's aero engines and gas turbines market demand are expected to exceed 2 trillion yuan. Among them, the demand of the military aero engine market is about 300 billion yuan, the demand for supporting service is about 500 billion yuan; the demand of the civil aero engine market is about 900 billion yuan, the demand for supporting service is about 600 billion yuan; the gas turbine market demand is about 275 billion yuan, and the corresponding service demand exceeds 255 billion yuan.

For more details, please pay your attention on the upcoming 8^th Annual China Aerospace Propulsion Technology Forum, which will be held in the city of Chengdu, on September 12^th - 13^th, 2018.

On behalf of the organizing committee, we sincerely invite you to participate in this forum. Jointly promote the development of China's aero engine industry.

Register your interest or get in touch with marketing@galleon.cc for more details.