CR929 engine set for joint development

China and Russia plan to jointly develop the aero engine for the CR929, a widebody passenger aircraft that is being co-developed by the two countries, but this may require at least 10 years, said a Russian senior executive.

United Engine Corp of Russia and Aero Engine Corp of China will together develop the engine for the CR929 at a later stage. At the moment, both countries have yet to master the related skills and will choose other engine suppliers, according to Rostec Corp, the parent company of United Aircraft Corp in Russia, which is responsible for CR929 project implementation on the Russian side.

Only a few engine makers, including US multinationals General Electric Co and Pratt& Whitney, and British aero engine maker Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, can manufacture aero engines for longrange, twin-aisle passenger jets such as the CR929.