CRAIC CR929 image: CRAIC
Commercial
Aviation
/ Russia
Changes
China and Russia discuss changes to widebody CRJ929 design
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 8/22/2023
CRAIC CR929
image: CRAIC
The widebody CR929 program continues to undergo changes and discussions between COMAC (China) and Russia (UAC – United Aircraft corporation). The countries are cooperating on the jet project in the CRAIC joint venture.
However, a graphic on the Comac stand at the Paris Air Show showed no further sign of UAC's involvement in the project. After speculation. After speculation, Russia admitted that it is no longer a partner in CRAIC.
The development of the CR929 was defined by the Sino-Russian intergovernmental agreement, so any changes require a lengthy approvals process. Engineering teams in Moscow and Shanghai continue to work as usual.
The Russian company will continue to work on the development of the plane as a supplier. Russia's Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute, TsAGI, plans to start static testing of a 22 m (72 ft) long composite wing prototype for the CR929 later this summer.
The baseline CR929-600 project (There will be other versions, the -500 and -700) was being developed between the countries since 2017, capable of carrying up to 280 passengers in a three-class configuration, with a range of 12,000 km (6,480 km). nm).
However, the project has suffered from a lack of Western suppliers since 2022, because of sanctions against Russia. “All world technology leaders who cooperated with us and the Chinese on the project have stopped this cooperation,” said UAC CEO Yury Slyusa. "We are looking at possible approaches."
However, he admitted that the possible solution for UAC was to exit the partnership altogether and become a technology provider for the program, which would be run by the Chinese side only.
Meanwhile, Russian officials began to emphasize other domestic widebody programs. Slyusar said the UAC was ready to conduct a deep modernization on the Ilyushin Il-96, including switching from four PS-90A turbofans to two future PD-35 engines.
COMAC, in turn, already treats the CR929 as a product from its catalogue. At the Paris Air Show, the Chinese company's booth presented digital images of the aircraft without the UAC logo.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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