Domestically developed engine for C919 in progress

The homemade engine Changjiang-1000 that domestically developed passenger plane C919 will use is under development, reported thepaper.cn on Sept 9.

Cao Chunxiao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and senior researcher at the Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials, said the engine will replace the engine purchased abroad, in a summit in Nanchang, Jiangxi province.

Currently, French engine LEAP-1C powers the country's first large passenger aircraft.

The LEAP-1C engines and the outer-layer nacelles for the aircraft were made through CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and General Electric.

Cao said the usage of titanium alloy in Changjiang-1000 takes up 23 percent of the weight.

It is said titanium has much lower density but similar intensity compared to steel, which can significantly reduce the engine weight.

Cao and his colleagues first discussed the idea of using titanium in aviation in 1964.

According to him, aero-engine development is the result of high technology and the symbol of the innovation and national power.

It is not yet known when Changjiang-1000 will power C919.