Aviation

Japan’s first passenger jet makes maiden test flight

Nagoya, November 11, 2015 –
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today conducted the first flight of the first flight test aircraft for the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), their next-generation regional jet.

The MRJ took off from Nagoya Airport and confirmed its basic characteristics and functionality in ascent, descent and turning in airspace off the Pacific coast during its 1.5-hour first flight.

“The MRJ successfully took to the sky today thanks to ongoing cooperation and support from all members involved,” said Hiromichi Morimoto, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “We will make our utmost efforts towards type certificate acquisition, committing all our resources to develop and produce the finest regional jet aircraft to enter commercial service in 2017.”

“Operational performance of the MRJ was far better than expected. We had a significantly comfortable flight,” said Pilot Yasumura, who served as captain.

Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI will continue to conduct flight tests for the first delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2017. The flight tests in the US are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2016, from the MRJ base at Grant County International Airport at Moses Lake in Washington State.

Going forward, Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI continue to devote their collective resources towards the successful completion of the MRJ project.The unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which built the World War Two-era Zero fighter, is hoping the $47-million regional jet will help it oust Canada’s Bombardier Inc as the world’s second-biggest maker of smaller passenger jets behind Brazil’s Embraer SA.

The MRJ is Japan’s first commercial passenger aircraft since the 64-seat YS-11 entered service 50 years ago. The first MRJ is slated for delivery in June 2017 to Japan’s biggest carrier, ANA Holdings. Mitsubishi aims eventually to sell more than 2,000 aircraft in the competitive market segment. Mitsubishi says the MRJ burns a fifth less fuel than aircraft of similar size, thanks to new-generation engines from Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

Japan’s last attempt to establish itself as a commercial aircraft maker ended in failure. Production of the YS-11, built by a consortium that included Mitsubishi Heavy, finished after only 182 planes were built.

That program however helped Mitsubishi Heavy and other companies forge ties with Boeing Co, turning them into major suppliers and partners of the U.S. aircraft maker and helping revive an aerospace industry that was dismantled after World War Two.

Features :

Clean Sheet Innovation born from freedom , A clean sheet can be liberating. No preexisting platforms to conform to. No parts bins to raid. The results are the most efficient, comfortable and reliable 70- and 90-seat jets to ever take flight.

Clean sheet advantages

Highest fuel efficiency
Lowest environmental impact
Most passenger comfort
Designed to increase reliability

Engine

MRJ is proud to be the launch customer for Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ engine which was optimized specifically for the MRJ. The new gear system allows the fan, low pressure compressor and turbine to rotate at optimum speeds which enables engine to have game-changing fuel efficiency. In addition, its Geared Turbofan™ engine architecture requires 60% fewer turbine airfoils than conventional turbofan engines and reduces maintenance time and cost.

Newest Flight Deck

A new view on the horizon . The most advanced, full fly-by-wire, flight deck available today is right at home aboard the MRJ. Featuring the Pro Line Fusion® system, the latest in avionics technology from Rockwell Collins, the MRJ’s flight deck maximizes situational awareness with four 15-inch landscape LCDs that deliver unprecedented clarity and information.

Cabin

The modern and stylish cabin of the MRJ introduces new values in the interior comfort of regional jet aircraft. Passengers will be very comfortable as the MRJ will provide wide cabin space, comfortable slim seats, large overhead bins, and lavatory for passengers with reduced mobility.

Mainline jet comfort
Ample head & foot clearance at the seat
Large overhead bin
Lavatory for passengers with reduced mobility

MRJ90 versions

MRJ90 Variants		MRJ90STD	MRJ90ER	MRJ90LR
Passengers		88 (Typical single

class at 31″ pitch)Cargo Compartmentm³ (ft³)18.2 (644)Engine
Pratt & Whitney

PurePower®

PW1217G EngineEngine ThrustkN (lbf)78.2 (17,600) x 2Maximum Takeoff Weightkg (lb)39,600 (87,303)40,995 (90,378)42,800 (94,358)Maximum Landing Weightkg (lb)38,000 (83,776)38,000 (83,776)38,000 (83,776)Maximum Zero Fuel Weightkg (lb)36,150 (79,697)36,150 (79,697)36,150 (79,697)Range @ 88PAX x 102kg (225lb)km (nm)2,120 (1,150)2,870 (1,550)3,770 (2,040)Maximum Operating Mach Number
M 0.78M 0.78M 0.78Maximum Operating Altitudem (ft)11,900 (39,000)11,900 (39,000)11,900 (39,000)Takeoff Field Length (MTOW, SL, ISA)m (ft)1,490 (4,890)1,600 (5,250)1,740 (5,710)Landing Field Length (MLW, Dry)m (ft)1,480 (4,860)1,480 (4,860)1,480 (4,860)

So far it has secured 223 firm orders, most recently in January when Japan Airlines asked for 32 planes. The biggest single purchase, for 100 aircraft, was from U.S. regional airline operator Trans State Holdings. Those Japanese companies build 35 percent of Boeing’s advanced 787 carbon-composite jetliner, including the wings, the most complex part. Japan’s biggest carmaker, Toyota Motor Corp, and largest trading company, Mitsubishi Corp, each own a 10 percent stake in the MRJ venture.

Liked it ..!?
Share with your friends and family

Aviation

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

– MOU represents Boeing’s commitment to work with Ukrainian industry

– Includes exploring opportunities for collaborating on in-country support of Unmanned Aerial Systems

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Boeing and Antonov Company to investigate potential collaboration on defense-related projects.

“We’re happy to keep collaborating with the Antonov Company to help Ukraine’s economic development and expansion,” stated Ted Colbert, CEO and president of Boeing Defence, Space, & Security.

Airbus and the Antonov An-225: The Best Partnership:Click here

“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

The six largest cargo aircraft ever built in the aviation industry:Click here

“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company.

This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”