Responsible for being the first jet created, developed and designed independently in China, the COMAC ARJ21, which has more than 300 orders for enger transport alone, has just received its first exclusive unit for cargo transport.
With plans to add a cargo aircraft starting in mid-2021, Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO) is being responsible for carrying out the conversion of some units of the ARJ21 from engers to freighters.
The first unit converted to cargo was an ARJ21 registration B-3329, which acted as a prototype for COMAC itself, marking an important milestone for China's aeronautical industry, which, like Russia, plans to rely less on Western technologies and companies.
The first of converted aircraft will have two aircraft that started their operational life in 2018 (MSN 109 and 112), and will now be transferred to YTO Cargo Airlines, as announced by the Smart Aviation portal.
Meet the COMAC ARJ21
Aimed at strengthening and encouraging the use of aircraft manufactured in China and as the Asian country's bet to become a major aerospace player, COMAC started its bet with the ARJ21 for regional and domestic routes.
Despite the similarity with the MD-80, the ARJ21 has more modern engines and Rockwell Collins avionics. The regional aircraft can carry up to 95 engers and is equipped with CF-34 engines, the same used in aircraft such as the Bombardier CRJ and the Embraer E-Jet E1.
On June 28, 2016, COMAC inaugurated the ARJ21 with a triple delivery to state-owned airlines Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, marking an important milestone for the Asian country's aerospace industry.
In addition, the use of natively manufactured aircraft made China rethink the use of western aircraft, mainly Boeing, as the country recently faced diplomatic disputes with the North Americans.
With almost 70 regional aircraft produced, COMAC is targeting the presence of the ARJ21 in other countries, with Indonesia's TransNusa as the first international operator, meaning an important milestone for the manufacturer.
Currently, the ARJ21 operates with: Air China, China Eastern, Chengdu Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, China Express, Genghis Khan Airlines and CFGAC.
In addition to the ARJ21, COMAC is also developing the C919, an aircraft that should compete with the 737 MAX and the A320neo.
Versions of the ARJ21
- ARJ21-700 – 70 to 95 engers.
- ARJ21-900 – 95 to 105 engers.
- ARJ21F - Cargo ship.
- ARJ21B – Executive jet.
Dimensions
- Length 36,35 m
- Wingspan 27,28m
- height 8,44 m
- Wing area 79,86 m²
Performance
- Maximum cruising speed 870 km/h (470 kn)
- Range (MTOW) 3 700 km (2 300 mi)
- Maximum ceiling 11 900 m (39 000 ft)
With information: Smart Aviation
