By Anthony Marcus for Eurasia Business News, April 10, 2025. Article no.1483.
The first details of C949, a supersonic airliner project, have been quietly unveiled by Chinese state-owned aerospace giant Comac, signalling its ambitions to dominate the skies with the radical new jet that could redefine global air travel.
This ambitious project by the state-owned aerospace company COMAC highlights China’s push to lead in supersonic aviation.
Key Features of the Comac C949
Extended Range
The C949 boasts a range of 11,000 kilometers (6,800 miles), which is 50% longer than the Concorde’s 7,200 kilometers (4,500 miles).
It can complete trans-Pacific routes, such as Shanghai to Los Angeles, in approximately five hours
Noise Reduction
The jet produces sonic booms at just 83.9 decibels, comparable to a hairdryer, making it 95% quieter than the Concorde’s thunderous 105-decibel booms.
Innovations like a reverse-camber fuselage and aerodynamic bulges minimize shock waves and exhaust turbulence.
Speed and Efficiency
Powered by twin adaptive-cycle turbofan engines, the C949 can cruise at Mach 1.6 in “low-boom” mode and Mach 1.7 in “eco” mode at altitudes of 16,000 meters.
A dynamic fuel system balances the aircraft during flight by redistributing 42,000 kilograms of fuel across seven tanks.
Passenger Capacity
Designed for business-class seating, the C949 accommodates between 28 and 48 passengers.
Some reports suggest a larger version may carry up to 168 passengers.
Market Potential
The C949 aims to overcome regulatory barriers that have long restricted supersonic flights over land due to noise concerns.
COMAC estimates that supersonic travel could attract up to 45 million passengers annually, focusing initially on trans-oceanic routes
Comparison with Concorde
| Feature | Comac C949 | French Concorde |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 11,000 km (6,800 miles) | 7,200 km (4,500 miles) |
| Noise Level | 83.9 dB | 105 dB |
| Speed | Mach 1.6–1.7 | Mach 2.0–2.2 |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 168 (variant) | Up to 128 |
The Comac C949 represents a significant step forward in supersonic aviation, addressing key issues that hindered earlier designs like the Concorde—particularly noise pollution and limited range. With its advanced technology and quieter operation, it could usher in a new era of faster global travel while competing with similar projects from NASA and Lockheed Martin’s X-59.
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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1483.
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