'Iron Bird' set for new test phase

The C919 entered a new phase on Monday after the large passenger aircraft project successfully completed flight control hydraulic system tests.

The completion of these tests means that project is now ready for comprehensive systems tests on its airframe "test bench".

"It is a milestone for the C919," said Guo Bozhi, head of Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institution, a subsidiary of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC).

Three main systems, flight control, hydraulic and chassis, are now set for vigorous testing, he said. It took four years to build up the test bench for the "Iron Bird" as the C919 is often called.

The test bench has an airframe, wings and empennage (tail) to simulate systems operation.

According to COMAC's plan, the C919 will take its first flight in 2015 and the first aircraft used for test flights will be assembled next year.