A year-long joint concept definition phase launched on 27 March will select the Tier 1 suppliers for the Chinese-Russian CR929-600 widebody, the CRAIC joint venture announced on 30 March.
The new phase means China’s Comac and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) are expanding the scope of supplier selection beyond engine suppliers.
GE Aviation and Rolls-Royce are expected to submit bids by May for the 75,000lb-thrust turbofans planned for the twin-engined widebody.
Meanwhile, CRAIC will begin working with suppliers on defining the requirements for the major aircraft systesm, including the landing gear, environmental control system and avionics, UAC says in a 30 March news release.
CRAIC plans to send the rest of the solicitations for all of the major work packages on the CR929-600 by the end of the year, UAC says. The supplier selection phase of the programme should be completed by the end of 2019, UAC adds.
The CR929-600 represents a joint Chinese and Russian competitive response to the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 and -10. If introduced in the 2025-2028 timeframe as scheduled, the aircraft would become the first twin-engined widebody aircraft produced by either country.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
