Chengfei's Next-Gen Refueling Vehicle Achieves Seamless Integration With C919, Setting New Global Standards For Ground Support

As the COMAC C919, China's domestically produced large passenger jet, continues its journey into large-scale commercial operation, the development of its comprehensive, self-sufficient support system has entered a critical phase.

Recently, a specialized refueling drill for the C919 was successfully completed in Shanghai, a joint effort between China Aviation Oil (CNOOC), COMAC, and China Eastern Airlines. During this crucial exercise, Chengfei Company's independently developed, new-generation C-class pipeline refueling vehicle successfully passed a full-process test. This achievement not only confirms its exceptional compatibility with the C919 but also signifies a major upgrade in the domestic large aircraft's fuel supply assurance system. For us at XINZ, Chengfei's overseas partner, this is a powerful demonstration of their commitment to independent innovation and their critical role in aviation fuel support.

A Collaborative Triumph: Supporting National Aviation Ambitions

This successful drill is a key outcome of the deepening strategic cooperation between China Aviation Oil and COMAC, underscoring their shared mission to strengthen China's civil aviation sector. It marks substantial progress in the "R&D – Validation – Commercialization" closed-loop ecosystem they are jointly building. Since signing a strategic agreement in 2024, Chengfei has consistently focused on the ground fuel supply needs of the C919. Through concentrated effort and technological breakthroughs, this successful real-world validation provides a solid foundation for the C919's sustained flight operations.

Ingenious Design, World-Class Innovation

Chengfei's new-generation C-class pipeline refueling vehicle is a masterpiece of engineering, custom-designed for the C919 using a low-platform technology. Its "compact and lightweight" design represents several key breakthroughs:

Weight Control: The entire vehicle is strictly controlled to under 4.5 tons.

Low Profile: Its height is less than 2 meters.

Maneuverability: Its length is 1.5 meters shorter than traditional models.

Precision Hook-up: The ground well hook-up height is precisely set to under 400 millimeters.

These features result in a lighter, safer, and more flexible vehicle for apron operations.

In the development process, the project team ventured into technical "uncharted territory," tackling challenges in overall vehicle shortening, chassis load-bearing, off-center stability, and equipment layout. Optimizing a single parameter often required hundreds of tests. This rigorous process led to the creation of the first domestic pipeline refueling vehicle that meets the requirements for a C-class driver's license. The resulting original fuel supply solution significantly enhances the flexibility and efficiency of apron operations while effectively reducing operator intensity and safety risks. This breakthrough, secured with complete independent intellectual property rights, marks a milestone for Chengfei in the field of large domestic aircraft fuel support.