Comac has started the installation of parts on its C919 iron bird ground rig, and is targeting to have the aircraft's landing gear installed by late September.
The Chinese airframer says the assembly of parts on the iron bird is an important task for the firm, and that in the first half of the year, several components necessary for iron bird tests have already been delivered.
Without going into details, it adds that suppliers have also started tooling design and parts manufacturing. So far, over 200 tubes for the iron bird have been manufactured.
Last month, Eaton Corp and Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Corp's joint venture delivered the first batch of conveyance tubes to Comac, becoming the first supplier to deliver parts for the C919.
First flight for the narrowbody is now set for end-2015, a push back from the original 2014 schedule. To date, Comac has received 380 commitments for its C919, mostly from Chinese airlines and leasing companies.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
