Aerospace

The first MRJ Regional plane from Japan is scrapped in United states. After the programme had terminated

Japan is renowned for its technological advancement, consistently outpacing other nations. In 2003, the well-known Japanese corporation Mitsubishi plans to launch a regional jet aircraft with a seating capacity of 70 to 90 seats, just like in other nations. An indigenous regional jet for 30 to 90 people is the subject of a five-year, 50 billion ($420 million) research project that was launched by Japan.

The first Mitsubishi Aircraft Regional Jet / SpaceJet JA21MJ, which was based at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, is being destroyed. Due to the lack of a successful testing phase. The program is terminated. Most aviation enthusiasts disagreed with the choice to scrap items rather than donate them to the museum.

Mitsubishi Announced The Discontinuation Of SpaceJet program(Opens in a new browser tab)

Let’s find out more about this plane. Several problems have caused the project to be postponed, and MHI keeps delaying its debut. At first, it also received some orders from airlines based in Japan. such as the SpaceJet program. The planned entry was delayed because flight testing took longer than anticipated, and as a result, development was first postponed in October 2020 and then stopped completely in February 2023.

Two versions of MRJ M90 and M100.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, a division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, created the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family of regional jet aircraft. The Mitsubishi SpaceJet M90 and Mitsubishi SpaceJet M100 are the two current versions that make up the SpaceJet family.

Up to 90 passengers can board the regional plane Mitsubishi SpaceJet M90. It has a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles and two Pratt & Whitney PW1217G engines. The Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has been working on the M90 for a number of years, with the initial goal of delivering the first aircraft to launch client ANA in 2020. The delivery has been delayed, nevertheless, because of a number of problems.

Mitsubishi converted the MRJ production facility into a maintenance hangar after the programme was terminated.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Mitsubishi SpaceJet program has had numerous difficulties and failures, which has caused some business analysts to view the initiative as a failure. The following are some of the main problems that have added to the SpaceJet program’s difficulties:

1. Delays in development: The SpaceJet program has faced major setbacks, with the initial delivery to launch customer ANA being repeatedly postponed. Several technical problems and design modifications contributed to the delays, which in turn led to more expenses and additional delays.

2. Few consumers have placed orders for the SpaceJet program, which has had difficulty getting orders from airlines. Instead, many airlines have opted to buy regional planes from different producers like Embraer and Bombardier.

3. Effect of COVID-19 pandemic: Due to the need for airlines to reduce fleet size and postpone new aircraft deliveries, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative influence on the SpaceJet program. This has made it even harder for Mitsubishi to acquire additional SpaceJet orders.

4. yet another delay In 2018, Bombardier filed a lawsuit against MRJ for allegedly stealing the trade-secret blueprints for its aircraft. MRJ was granted relief from the allegation by federal judges. It has accomplished about 2600 flying hours up to that point. Yet later, when the aircraft was being tested, there was yet another delay. in 2019,

5. Financial setbacks: Despite Mitsubishi Heavy Industries investing billions of dollars in the SpaceJet program, there have been financial difficulties. But because of the holdups and a lack of orders, the program hasn’t brought in enough money to pay for its development expenses.

The corporation was looking for a reliable source of funding to support the manufacture of airplanes. The flying display was performed by the aircraft in 2018 at the Farnborough air show. Due to the delays, the aircraft is also receiving some criticism. For all of the prototypes that were improved gradually, it has finished roughly 9 aircraft. MHI persisted in working on this project. More than a billion dollars were invested. but even so, the airworthiness authorities were never impressed.

6. More than 900 design changes have reportedly been made, many of which necessitate going back to the basic design stage. Examples of these changes include a review of the design load and adjustments to the system design of various systems. During the testing phase, numerous design modifications were made to the wings, landing gear, fuselage, wiring, and avionics. Throughout the testing stage, numerous design modifications were done.

The SpaceJet program has generally encountered a number of challenges that have made it challenging for it to prosper, raising questions about its future and whether it will ever enter service. The development of the SpaceJet M100 has been put on hold as Mitsubishi Aircraft Company reevaluates its approach to the SpaceJet program.

Following five revisions of the planning delay, it was stated in October 2020 that the project would be frozen. Five prototypes have already made the trip to the US for flight testing, however, testing has been halted and one of them has had its aircraft registration canceled. The process for acquiring this kind of accreditation was the main cause of delays in the MRJ project. A significant design change was made in order to get type certification, which also contributed to the significant fifth delay, which dealt the business freeze its fatal blow.

Engine maintenance is now being performed on a variety of aircraft at the facility that was constructed for the production of MRJ aircraft. This will be capable of producing 15 units per month.

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.

Aerospace

Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

EASA Proposes AD for Airbus A380 Wing Rib Foot Cracks

In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.