C919 jet undergoes rigorous testing

The C919, China's first domestically developed large passenger jet, is to undergo a series of tests before it hits the market by 2021.

On May 11, the first C919 prototype underwent its first limit load test, which is also the first structural strength verification that is followed by the European Aviation Safety Agency, according to its manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd, also known as COMAC.

Some problems occurred when the load was increased to 137 percent of the limit. The design and engineering teams discussed possible solutions and completed the troubleshooting process. Later, the outline for the final test was approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and its European counterpart.