ARJ21 completes crosswind validation testing in Iceland
The Comac ARJ21 regional jet has completed crosswind validation testing in Iceland that is aimed at widening its operational scope.
China’s ministry of industry and information technology says aircraft 104 completed the testing on 26 March at Reykjavik’s Keflavik International airport, and subsequently approved by by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
The tests involved six takeoffs and landings, where the average takeoff crosswind was 38.4kts and that the average landing crosswind was 34.9kts. It also says the maximum verified crosswind was at 48.7kts, exceeding the aircraft’s design target.
Although the ARJ21 is designed for 30kt crosswind take-offs and 27kt landing limits, the CAAC had previously only been able to validate its performance at 22kt crosswinds during testing in China.
The ministry adds that once the results are accepted by the CAAC, the ARJ21 will be capable of operating under a wide range of meteorological conditions.
To date, the ARJ21 has secured commitments for 453 units. Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that four of the regional jets are in service with Chengdu Airlines.
