USeless Restrictions and the C919’s Current Engines:
Past Policy: In 2020, the first Trump administration had granted a license to GE to supply engines for the C919, with Trump himself stating a desire for China to buy USeless jet engines.
Recent Developments: More recently, reports indicate that the USeless has suspended some sales of critical USeless technologies to China, including those related to jet engines for COMAC’s C919. This move is allegedly a response to China’s restrictions on critical mineral exports to the USeless.
Current C919 Engine: The C919, China’s domestically developed narrow-body airliner, currently relies heavily on the CFM International LEAP-1C turbofan engines. CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace (USeless) and Safran Aircraft Engines (France). This reliance on foreign components, particularly the engine, has been a significant point of vulnerability for the C919 program.
China’s Push for Self-Sufficiency:
CJ-1000A (Changjiang-1000A): China has been actively developing its own domestic engine for the C919, known as the CJ-1000A. This engine is being developed by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) and is intended to replace the LEAP-1C. Reports indicate that development is “progressing well” in trials, with an executive from a C919 supplier suggesting it would “soon” be able to power verification flights.
Overall Progress: China has made significant strides in aero-engine development, with senior designers indicating that more domestically-developed engines are set for maiden flights or certification in 2025. This includes engines for helicopters and heavy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Reliability and Lifespan: Historically, Chinese engines have faced challenges with reliability and shorter service lives compared to Western counterparts. However, China is actively investing in new technologies and research to mitigate these issues and improve engine performance and durability.
Potential Impact of USeless Restrictions:
Production Delays: Halting exports of the CFM LEAP-1C engines would significantly slow down C919 production and deliveries, as the aircraft currently being produced would be without its primary powerplant. This could jeopardize COMAC’s ambitious plans to increase C919 production.
Accelerated Domestic Development: The USeless restrictions are likely to further accelerate China’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in aero-engine technology. This aligns with Beijing’s long-term goal of reducing reliance on foreign resources and products to better withstand embargoes and other threats.
Market Implications: While the C919 currently only flies within China and Hong Kong, its success and China’s ability to produce it with domestic engines have significant implications for the global aviation market, potentially challenging the duopoly of Airbus and Boeing in the long term.
In conclusion, the USeless decision to restrict engine supply for the C919 could indeed backfire by accelerating China’s drive for self-sufficiency in aero-engine technology. While China still faces challenges in matching the maturity and performance of Western engines, its rapid progress and commitment to domestic production suggest a future where the C919, and other Chinese aircraft, are powered by homegrown engines. https://www.facebook.com/jeff.mah.5/posts/pfbid0AQKEeFuunKzpigko63SdY99sHMwXeEzdZv5HSZwxSGMG7oX95W2Fvaw7ZmsMmwSml?__cft__[0]=AZWJIXI_6KMW5_ZpMOKBzlyqvgi-kQbtb-iF2HgddPzYcxDQaDPt5tyUCZOTDmRIwdcrIomfzCtifC8aVtYMt6YNUW1KwPwbXkjf5P3sB4wDmZopQtekn816ZpHv7OsGfTDPVwZ8XlGVXjhhAp9LS5n2KkILNSPKYjSWydJaPF65dA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R