New China-built engines for China-built jumbo jet

An advanced engine development facility will be built in Sichuan province as the nation moves closer to building its own jumbo jet.

Guo Xin, head of the gas turbine institute of the China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). said the base in Mianyang will provide advanced testing facilities and simulate the height and speed of an aircraft at high altitude.

He said, ‘The engine is the heart of an airplane. China needs a first-class experimental base for developing China built aero-engines.’

Piao Ying, an aero-engine expert with Tsinghua University, said engines must undergo strict ground testing, including high altitude simulation, before they are installed in an airplane.

The country’s current altitude simulation testing facility — the largest in Asia — is located at the gas turbine institute in Jiangyou, Sichuan province.

China.org.cn reports that Jin Zhuanglong, president of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China had said China would purchase foreign engines and seek suppliers through global bidding.

But that the government is also determined to create its own technology and a company was established in Shanghai in January to focus specifically on engine development for the homemade jumbo.