UTC Aerospace Systems and AVIC Electromechanical Company have launched a joint venture to develop and manufacture the electric power system for the in-development Comac C919.

The 50:50 joint venture, called Xian AVIC Hamilton Sundstrand Aviation Electric (AUAE), is located within the Xian hi-tech industries development zone.

AUAE’s chairman Yang Hongqi says the firm expects to ship the first C919 components in the third quarter of 2014, and is looking forward to supporting Comac in the narrowbody’s first flight.

“We are proud of the opening of the new 6,500sqm facility in Xian. It indicates that our joint venture is moving from construction into production,” he adds.

Comac is targeting to start final assembly of its first test C919 by the end of the year, as it works towards a 2015 year-end first flight. The airframer will also carry out systems integration tests, airworthiness verification and other relevant work this year.

Source: Cirium Dashboard