Asia-Pacific News
China-made jet makes maiden flight
Nov 28, 2008, 10:19 GMT
Beijing - China's first internally developed regional jet, the ARJ21-700, completed its maiden test flight on Friday in Shanghai, the Xinhua news agency reported.
Unveiled last December, the 90-set aircraft named 'Xiang Feng' or 'Flying Phoenix' landed safely after an hour's flight, Xinhua said on its website.
'The jet was normal and the flight was smooth,' said one of the three pilots aboard the jet which has a maximum flight range of 3,700 kilometresand maximum altitude of 11,900 metres.
During the maiden flight the ARJ21-700 flew at only 900 metres.
A total of 208 jets have been ordered so far, including 25 by GE Commercial Aviation Services of the United States. Delivery of the aircraft would begin in less than 18 months. China is currently capable of producing 20 ARJ21 jets a year, reported Xinhua.
The aircraft sells for about 27 million US dollars, 10 per cent less than for a 90-seat Bombardier jet.
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