4th ARJ21 plane makes maiden flight
The fourth domestically-produced ARJ21-700 plane completed its maiden flight successfully in Shanghai on April 13. This was the last prototype aircraft in the ARJ21-700 project and the first model to be tested for simulating the performance of the future models that will be delivered.
This marks the kickoff of intensive test flights for China's brand new regional aircraft. The welding and assembly of the aircraft's tail were completed on Oct. 23, 2009 and March 13, 2010. respectively, and the test run of its engine commenced on March 22, 2010.
This is the first time that China has owned the intellectual property rights to a medium-range regional passenger jet developed and produced under international airworthiness standards. On March 16, 2010, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially began the ARJ21-700 airworthiness review process, which was the first time a Chinese jumbo passenger jet has undergone reviews by the FAA.
The aircraft model has received a total of 240 confirmed orders and declarations of intent to order so far.
