C919 Production Relies Heavily on Chongqing-Based Southwest Aluminum for Aluminum Alloy Materials

During the production and manufacturing process of the C919, more than half of the aluminum semis come from Chongqing. Since the project was initiated, Southwest Aluminum has undertaken the research and production tasks for 13 key aluminum alloy materials, including sheets & plates and forgings.

The 7,050 aluminum alloy has garnered significant attention in the industry due to its casting difficulties, which previously necessitated imports. In recent years, Southwest Aluminum has collaborated with multiple universities and research institutions to form a research and development team. They have successfully overcome numerous technical challenges, such as the preparation of large-scale casting ingots, and established a complete industrial manufacturing technology system for pre-stretched plates of the 7,050 alloy, fully achieving the localisation of this aluminum alloy.

Currently, Southwest Aluminum has provided up to 30 specifications and over 600 pieces of aluminum alloy materials for the C919. These materials are primarily used in critical structural components such as wings and landing gear. Its forgings have achieved mass supply to COMAC, filling several domestic technological gaps.