By Bjorn Fehrm

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Introduction

August29, 2016, ©. Leeham Co: We have now covered the capabilities of the joint venture partners for a Russian-Chinese wide-body and its possible market. Now we will look at what kind of aircraft such a cooperation can create, given technology and other constraints.

Figure 1. Concept for new wide-body airliner. Source: United Aircraft.

There have been bits and pieces leaked to media from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

We will look at what has been said and combine that with our knowledge of existing and future technological capabilities of the parties to make predictions for what aircraft the project can produce.

Summary:

• The Russian-Chinese wide-bodywill be made to cover the "small wide-body"market.
• Initial size will be a 250-280 passenger wide-body
• The aircraft will be a twin with engines from either GE or Rolls-Royce.
• Range with 280 passengers will be 6,500nm.