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China to produce its own jet engines

2009-11-04 11:07 BJT

A scale model of China's first domestically-produced jumbo jet is being displayed at this year's China International Industry Fair in Shanghai. The aircraft will prominently feature a Chinese-made engine.

The engine, which is made by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, is designed for the 150-seat C919 jumbo jet. Experts say they are working to give the model some key features.

A scale model of China's first domestically-produced jumbo jet is being displayed at this year's China International Industry Fair in Shanghai.
A scale model of China's first domestically-produced jumbo jet is being displayed
at this year's China International Industry Fair in Shanghai.

Li Jibao, Vice General Manager of Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China said "First of all, it should consume low levels of fuel because there is a carbon dioxide emissions requirement. Secondly, its noise level should be low. We are pushing our efforts toward key technological breakthroughs."

Some sources say the jet maker is not only aiming to supply engines for this domestically-made jet, but is also involved in a project that can meet the engine demands of the next generation of general civil aircraft.

Li Jibao said "We are also working on an engine that has the same performance as the next-generation Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 planes. We will complete the technological tests by 2016."

Many observers believe China is on track to produce its own commercial jet to reduce its reliance on foreign plane makers such as Boeing and Airbus. The entire process -- including design, material sourcing, and production -- is being done in China. The initial design of the aircraft has been completed, and the jumbo jet is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2014. The C919 is then expected to be delivered to clients by 2016.

Editor: Xiong Qu | Source: CCTV.com