AIUI the F-35 didn't have any real breakthrough technologies (for the US) beyond its better software integrations that wasn't already extant in some form in the F-22. For the PRC, the new COMAC planes actually represent breakthrough technologies for the PRC.
Chinese Aviation Industry
- Thread starter FriedRiceNSpice
- Start date
AIUI the F-35 didn't have any real breakthrough technologies (for the US) beyond its better software integrations that wasn't already extant in some form in the F-22. For the PRC, the new COMAC planes actually represent breakthrough technologies for the PRC.
- Integrated Power Package
- EODAS/HMD integration
- Shaft-driven lift fan
Software integration is actually an Achilles heel on the F-35, Saab could have taught LM a thing or two here.
By contrast, what's so novel about the ARJ21? Its engines are off-the-shelf, the fuselage is modified from a MDD airliner license-built in China and the wing was developed with support from Antonov. Over-ambitious, it wasn't.
History is full of examples of inferior tech winning the day. e.g. betamax vs VHS, QWERTY keyboards, etc.
ARJ-21 sells in China, the airlines that use it are making money, and the jobs and most of the profits stay in China. It is a commercial success
ARJ-21 sells in China, the airlines that use it are making money, and the jobs and most of the profits stay in China. It is a commercial success
The point of the ARJ21 was not to be a commercial success, but to build up China's know-how in terms of completing a modern manufacturing process and then operating a modern aircraft built by itself. In this sense, it is more successful than the MRJ. (btw, MRJ was not cancelled because it was not commercially viable, but because American labor unions rejected the specifications of the design late into the process). Anything is more successful than a project that does not get completed. However, since ARJ21 requires American engines, avionics, and other parts, China must maintain good relations with the US to keep it running.
manqiangrexue
Brigadier
You mean America must maintain good relations with China or it will lose all its sales and China will build the whole thing by itself or with eager Europeans promising zero US tech components.
Bingo. It was a learning by doing project.
He probably means a necessary first step for the industry. Which is political in nature. In order to have future commercial success that politically motivated support was required.
Quickie
Colonel
And how do you know that, other than maybe by your bias?
You can't compare apple to apple as Comac never chooses the path of development of the MRJ whatever it may be.
It has gone for a well-tested and proven path.