169: Chapter 169 A Milestone in Large Aircraft Development

Chen Mo stretched, rubbed his wrists, and said indifferently into the microphone: "That's it for today. I'm tired of playing, you all can continue."

Ling Jing quickly replied: "Alright, Mr. Chen. Thank you for playing with us today, and thank you all for your support!"

As she spoke, she turned to the camera and added: "Family, you've all seen it. Mr. Chen is too amazing, he carried us the whole way. Hopefully, we'll have the chance to watch Mr. Chen show off his skills again next time!"

Chen Mo didn't say anything else. He exited the game, turned off his phone, and leaned back on the sofa in the manor.

Five days later, in the early morning, Chen Mo was reviewing a technical report from Tianxing Laboratory when his phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Zhou Ming, the head of Tianxing Laboratory.

"Mr. Chen, sorry to disturb your rest, but there is a major technical breakthrough and project update that I must report to you immediately."

Zhou Ming's voice came through the phone: "The ARJ21 new regional jet project, which our Tianxing Laboratory has been jointly promoting with Longguo COMAC, has officially passed the airworthiness certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of Longguo. Today, it successfully obtained the 'Civil Aircraft Type Certificate' (TC). This is our country's first independently developed regional jet with independent intellectual property rights. It has truly achieved a breakthrough in airworthiness certification for Longguo's self-developed regional jets and is an important milestone in Longguo's large aircraft strategy!"

Chen Mo gently closed the documents in his hand, a hint of gratification flashing in his eyes. He had only provided the data back then and hadn't participated in the R&D; this was all developed bit by bit by those researchers relying on the data themselves.

Chen Mo said: "Tell me in detail about the core process of the certification, the progress of the technical modules our laboratory was responsible for, and the follow-up arrangements from COMAC."

Zhou Ming immediately reported: "Mr. Chen, the ARJ21 project was approved by the State Council in 2008. After 12 years of tackling key problems, our Tianxing Laboratory joined in the middle of the project and cooperated deeply with COMAC. We were mainly responsible for the R&D and adaptation of the avionics system, power control module, and lightweight materials."

"This airworthiness certification strictly followed the requirements of the Longguo Civil Aviation Regulations CCAR-25, while also referencing international civil aviation standards. We completed a series of extreme environmental test flights, including full-aircraft static tests, fatigue tests, flutter test flights, and tests in high-cold, high-temperature, high-humidity, high-altitude, and natural icing conditions. We accumulated over 2,800 hours of test flights, covering various complex weather and flight environments. All test data fully met the standards, with no technical deviations."

"Among them, the integrated avionics system developed by our laboratory achieved real-time transmission of flight data and precise fault warnings, passing the joint review by the Civil Aviation Administration and the US Federal Aviation Administration. The application of lightweight composite materials reduced the aircraft's fuselage weight by 12%, while simultaneously improving fuselage strength and fuel efficiency. The power control module optimized engine response speed and improved flight stability. These three core technical modules have all received high recognition from the Civil Aviation Administration and COMAC, becoming the key support for the ARJ21's smooth certification."

Zhou Ming paused and continued: "The 'Civil Aircraft Type Certificate' issued this time is the core access credential for a passenger aircraft to enter the market. It means that the design, manufacturing, and performance of the ARJ21 fully comply with civil aviation safety standards and that it possesses the qualifications for mass production and commercial operation."

"COMAC has confirmed that they will immediately launch the mass production plan for the ARJ21. The first batch of orders is set at 50 aircraft, which will mainly be delivered to major domestic airlines. At the same time, they will promote the subsequent upgrades of the ARJ21, as well as joint R&D with our laboratory on the core technologies for the C919 large aircraft, further advancing the process of self-reliance and control for Longguo's large aircraft."

Chen Mo listened quietly, nodding occasionally. He knew in his heart that the ARJ21's airworthiness certification was not only the result of the joint efforts of Tianxing Laboratory and COMAC, but also an important sign of the Longguo aviation industry moving from following to running alongside others. Behind it were years of perseverance and technical accumulation by countless researchers.

The moment the news of the ARJ21 certification was jointly announced by Longguo COMAC and Tianxing Group, major media and social platforms instantly boiled over, and related topics quickly rushed to the top of the trending lists.

"Finally waited for this day! ARJ21 got the airworthiness certificate, Longguo finally has its own regional jet! It wasn't easy! From the project initiation in 2008 to now, that's 6 years. How many researchers have turned their hair white? Must pay tribute!"

"Not trying to be ignorant, but how hard is it to get a TC certificate? I heard it's the 'passport' of the civil aviation field. Even the US Federal Aviation Administration participated in the review. The fact that the ARJ21 passed shows our technology has truly reached international standards!"

"In the past, when taking regional flights, it was either Boeing or Airbus. Finally, we can ride on planes we built ourselves! ARJ21, the pride of Longguo!"

"Tianxing Laboratory is awesome! Didn't expect a private enterprise to have such a big breakthrough in core aviation technology. Working with COMAC really makes a difference. The avionics system and lightweight materials are said to be even more advanced than similar foreign products!"

"6 years of tackling key problems, 4 test aircraft, over 2,800 hours of test flights, crossing high-cold, high-temperature, high-altitude, and various extreme environments. This is the resilience of Longguo's scientific research. Kudos to Longguo COMAC and Tianxing Laboratory!"

"Anyone in the know? The ARJ21 has 78-97 seats and a range of 2225-3700 kilometers, which is just right for domestic regional routes. In the future, will we be able to fly on our own planes from the small airports in our hometowns?"

"I was always worried about the safety of our own planes before. Now that I see such strict airworthiness certification and so much test data, I'm completely reassured. Looking forward to the ARJ21 entering operation soon. I'll be the first to ride it!"

"This is a true technological powerhouse! Not relying on imports, not relying on assembly, it's independent R&D with independent intellectual property rights. The ARJ21 is just the beginning. I believe the C919 won't be too far behind!"

"I still remember when the ARJ21 first flew. I was there on the scene. I felt so proud back then. Now that it has obtained the airworthiness certificate and can finally officially fly, I'm about to tear up. Go Longguo Aviation!"

"Compared to similar foreign regional jets, the advantages of the ARJ21 are too obvious. It is adapted to Longguo's airport environment, especially in high-altitude and high-cold regions. It will definitely be very suitable for western routes in the future. Looking forward to seeing it soon!"

"Tribute to the researchers! From project initiation, design, trial production, test flights, to certification, every step was not easy. Without their perseverance, there would be no today for Longguo's large aircraft. Salute to them!"

"Tianxing Group certainly didn't disappoint. They've had many breakthroughs in the tech field before. Now, joining forces with COMAC to secure the ARJ21 certification is enough to prove the strength of our private enterprises in the high-end manufacturing field. The future is promising!"

"Does anyone know when the ARJ21 will be delivered? I can't wait to experience our own jet airliner. I hope the ticket price will be more affordable so more people can ride it!"

"I used to think that Longguo's aviation industry was far behind foreign countries. Now that the ARJ21 has been certified, breaking the foreign monopoly, this is progress. Step by step, Longguo's large aircraft will definitely get better and better!"

"The ARJ21 didn't just get an airworthiness certificate; it's the backbone of Longguo's aviation industry and proof of Longguo's technological self-reliance and strength. Proud of the motherland, kudos to Longguo's scientific research!"

"I saw reports saying that the ARJ21 also completed natural icing tests in North America. Even foreign airworthiness experts recognized our technology. This is Longguo's strength. No exaggeration, it's just really awesome!"

"Six years to sharpen a sword; the ARJ21 airworthiness certification marks Longguo's official entry into the era of self-developed regional jets. The large aircraft strategy has taken a solid step forward. In the future, we will build even larger and more advanced aircraft!"

"As an aviation practitioner, I know the difficulty of airworthiness certification. Every test and every piece of data embodies the hard work of the researchers. The success of the ARJ21 is a victory for the entire Longguo aviation industry!"