AVIC Aircraft says its MA700 turboprop programme has progressed, with the beginning of the manufacturing of components for the aircraft's flaps and cargo door.
The flap components are manufactured by AVIC's subsidiary in Xian, while those for the cargo door are handled by another subsidiary in Shenyang.
The Chinese manufacturer says that following the completion of structural and strength tests, the technical specifications for the turboprop's forward fuselage and flaps have been released.
Its target is for the MA700 to take its first flight in November 2019, and achieve Chinese certification by 2021 prior to service entry.
Last month, AVIC also signed with Dowty Propellers for a derivative of its R408 propeller on the MA700.
The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150C-powered turboprop will have a capacity for up to 86 passengers. The aircraft, which will use fly-by-wire technology, will have a maximum take-off weight of 26.5t and range of up to 2,700km.
The aircraft will have the "perfect balance" of achieving speed and economics to serve the regional aviation market, adds AVIC.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
