YS-X Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ)
The MRJ is a 70-90 seat class regional jet currently being developed by MHI with cutting-edge technology that will enable dual achievement of top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort. The MRJ will be the first regional jet to adopt composite materials for its wings and vertical fins on significant scale. In combination with new engines and an advanced aerodynamic design, the aircraft is being planned to reduce fuel consumption substantially and to contribute greatly to enhanced competitiveness and lower operating costs for the airline companies.
Japan faces a number of obstacles to full-scale participation in aircraft manufacturing, including air transport infrastructure and regulatory constraints that limit the potential of the domestic market to support an aircraft program, reliance on the military sector, relatively high costs, and national policies which prohibit the export of dual civilian and military use technology and products.
The industry’s successor to the YS-11, the YS-X 100-seat regional transport, in development since the 1980s, produced only feasibility studies. Japanese firms have been interested in entering the regional jet market, with firms expressing interest in the idea since at least 1991. In the mid-1990s, a partnership between Mitsubishi and Bombardier to produce 100-seat regional jets was discussed, but never came to fruition.
In 1996, for the first time in 40 years [since the last project of YS-11 aircraft], an attempt was to be made to develop, produce and commercialize a small-sized (70-120 seats) civil air transport system (YSX). A total of 380 million yen was allocated in FY'97 (610 million yen in 1996). Japan hoped that Boeing might be the Western partner to support its YS-X project, but the company’s decision to produce the 717-200 appeared to preclude U.S.-Japanese cooperation on the similar YS-X program. Funding for the program was cut to $1.3 million for 1998-99, presumably in response to a growing competitive environment in the medium-sized aircraft sector and the industry’s lack of progress on the program.
In 2003, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Japanese industries started jointly the “R&D of Environment-Friendly, High-Performance Small Aircraft” that improved greatly by reduction of weight, low drag and also fuel efficiency. Japan Aircraft Development Corporation co-ordinated indigenous designs for a next-generation regional jet (NGRJ) airliner, with both Kawasaki and Mitsubishi offering competing projects. FHI and Japan Aircraft Development Corporation (JADC) participated in the regional jet program as a joint developer. This aircraft is planned in 70~90 seat classes that materialized highly efficiency, beside this aircraft utilizes IT technology.
MHI started the regional jet “MRJ” development program in order to cope with problems in the small regional jet development project supported by METI. In 2003, Mitsubishi launched a study, half-funded by the government, to explore the feasibility of a Japanese RJ. First provisional details of Mitsubishi design were revealed in 2004, then as T-tailed, rear-engined design (two 30.7 kN; 6,900 lb st class turbofans) in 30-passengers class. Initially the study focused on the 30-50 seat market, but by 2005 it had become clear that there was greater demand in the 70-90 seat market.
In 2005 it was reported that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. planned to launch a project within the fiscal year to develop and commercialize Japan's first domestic passenger jet. The company planned to develop a jet capable of carrying 70-90 passengers and aimed to conduct its maiden flight in fiscal 2008.
By 2006, this had transmuted into stretched-fuselage, low-tailed design with underwing podded engines and intended for 70/90-passenger market. By 2007, the Japanese government indicated that it would offer financial assistance totaling ¥40 billion for the aircraft‘s development, about 1/3 of the estimated cost. The western debut came at Paris in June 2007, when a full-size cabin mockup was shown and program timetable announced.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan is developing a lightweight, fuel efficient next-generation Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a 70-90-seat airliner. Unlike China's ARJ21, Mitsubishi's aircraft will feature extensive use of lightweight composite materials. Employing the latest technologies in its airframe and engine, the MRJ will be the first regional jet to use composite material for it wings and vertical stabiliser. Coupled with Pratt & Whitney's newly developed Geared Turbo Fan, it is expected to bring about a 40% saving in fuel, and increase revenue by an annual 5 billion yen, when compared with 737-500 aircraft.
Authorisation to offer was then expected in third quarter of 2007; launch in second quarter of 2008; first flight in early 2011; deliveries from 2012; production of 15 envisaged in first year. By March 2008 Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) were in the final stages of deciding whether to buy the small passenger jet being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. JAL was expected to buy more than 30 of the MRJs while JAL is expected to sign on for 30 jets. Mitsubishi has said it wanted 100 advance orders for the MRJ before moving ahead to commercialize the production.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the first company in Japan to manufacture and market jetliners, launched the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) in 2008. MHI has created the tentatively-named Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation to conduct MRJ’s business, and the Corporation has been capitalised at ¥3 billion with calls to increase up to ¥100 billion (around £500 million) in line with business operations development. Mitsubishi Heavy plans to sell 1,000 of the 70-to-90 seat aircraft over the next two decades and begin delivery in 2013. All Nippon Airways Co., Japan’s largest domestic carrier, has ordered 25 planes, including options.
With between 70 and 90 passenger seats, the jet will be the first regional plane to use a significant amount of composite material for its wings and vertical fins. The aircraft will also have reduced fuel consumption and lower operating costs for airline companies. MHI had already received an order from All Nippon Airways – Japan’s second-largest international airline – for 25 of the aircraft, the first of which will enter service in 2013. The company, which currently employs approximately 200 people, plans to further develop the jet in an effort to penetrate the global air market.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., maker of Subaru-brand cars and aircraft parts for Boeing Co., may help design Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.’s regional passenger jet. Fuji Heavy engineering support would follow Toyota Motor Corp.’s investment in the project. Toyota, Fuji Heavy’s largest shareholder, is helping Mitsubishi Heavy, Japan’s largest aerospace company, compete with planes from Bombardier Inc. of Canada and Brazil’s Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) officially launched the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a next-generation regional jetliner, on 28 March 2008. Beginning April 1, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (tentative name), a new company established by MHI to conduct MRJ business, will accelerate the MRJ's development and further strengthen sales activities to potential customers worldwide. As Japan's first company to manufacture and market original passenger jetliners, Mitsubishi Aircraft will fulfill a long-cherished wish of the Japanese aircraft industry, leveraging technological expertise that MHI has built up through its aerospace business.
Mitsubishi Aircraft will be responsible for various key activities in the MRJ project, including the jetliner's design, acquisition of type certification (T/C), procurement, sales and customer support. MHI's Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works will manufacture both the prototype aircraft and production models; it will also be in charge of the MRJ's flight testing.
Mitsubishi Aircraft was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of MHI capitalized at 3 billion yen (common stock and capital reserve), with plans calling for an increase up to 100 billion yen in line with business operations development. MHI plans to furnish roughly two-thirds of the requisite capital, and to secure the remaining equity investment it has approached companies including Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation and the Development Bank of Japan. Mitsubishi Aircraft, headquartered in Nagoya, is to start with approximately 200 employees. Nobuo Toda, Director and Senior Vice President at MHI, has been named its first president.
The MRJ is a 70–90 seat class regional jet being developed by MHI with cutting-edge technology that will enable dual achievement of top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort. The MRJ will be the first regional jet to adopt composite materials for its wings and vertical fins on significant scale. In combination with new engines and an advanced aerodynamic design, the aircraft is being planned to reduce fuel consumption substantially and to contribute greatly to enhanced competitiveness and lower operating costs for the airline companies.
On 28 March 2008 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) officially launched the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a next-generation regional jetliner. Beginning April 1, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (tentative name), a new company established by MHI to conduct MRJ business, will accelerate the MRJ's development and further strengthen sales activities to potential customers worldwide. As Japan's first company to manufacture and market original passenger jetliners, Mitsubishi Aircraft will fulfill a long-cherished wish of the Japanese aircraft industry, leveraging technological expertise that MHI has built up through its aerospace business.
Mitsubishi Aircraft will be responsible for various key activities in the MRJ project, including the jetliner's design, acquisition of type certification (T/C), procurement, sales and customer support. MHI's Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works will manufacture both the prototype aircraft and production models; it will also be in charge of the MRJ's flight testing.
Mitsubishi Aircraft was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of MHI capitalized at 3 billion yen (common stock and capital reserve), with plans calling for an increase up to 100 billion yen in line with business operations development. MHI plans to furnish roughly two-thirds of the requisite capital, and to secure the remaining equity investment it has approached companies including Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation and the Development Bank of Japan. Mitsubishi Aircraft, headquartered in Nagoya, is to start with approximately 200 employees. Nobuo Toda, Director and Senior Vice President at MHI, has been named its first president.
Since deciding on authorization to offer (ATO) the MRJ in October 2007, MHI has been conducting full-scale marketing activities worldwide. Based on positive responses from potential customers, including an order for 25 aircraft (15 firm, 10 optional) from All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., MHI has now decided to formally launch the MRJ program, targeting the aircraft's entry into service in 2013. MHI, by getting the country's domestic passenger jet business, which is seen to have high growth potential, off the ground with sales expansion of the MRJ overseas - a feat enabled by its having secured cooperation from entities including trading houses and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) aims to contribute to this ongoing development of Japan's industries. Among the major partners in the MRJ program, Pratt & Whitney will supply its most advanced, highly efficient Geared Turbofan? (GTF) engines. Other major companies participating are: Parker Aerospace, to supply the aircraft's hydraulic system; Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, furnishing various systems, including electrical power, air management and auxiliary power units; Rockwell Collins, providing the flight control computers and avionics; Nabtesco Corporation, to furnish the flight control actuators; and Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd., supplying the landing gear.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (TSE: 7011, 'MHI'), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading heavy machinery manufacturers, with consolidated sales of 3,068 billion yen in fiscal 2006 (year ended March 31, 2007). MHI's diverse lineup of products and services encompasses shipbuilding, power plants, chemical plants, environmental equipment, steel structures, industrial and general machinery, aircraft, space rocketry and air-conditioning systems.
Even though it fell down the stairs..lol
