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Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries develops a new regional jet
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is taking a major step forward in the regional jet market by forming a new subsidiary to design, produce, and market its 70- to 90-seat Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJ). The company has also selected Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan engine (GTF) as the powerplant for the MRJ, marking a significant technological advancement. This choice sets MHI apart from competitors like Bombardier’s E-Jet series, China’s ARJ21, and Russia’s Sukhoi Superjet 100, which use different propulsion systems.
The MRJ program will not wait until March 31, 2008, to make an official launch decision. Instead, the project is already well underway, with the goal of launching the aircraft in 2012. MHI aims to capture 1,000 orders over the next two decades, targeting a global demand of 5,000 regional jets. This ambitious target highlights the company’s confidence in the potential of the MRJ in the growing regional aviation sector.
Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine offers a major advantage over other engines, such as General Electric’s CF34-10A and Rolls-Royce’s RB211-22B. It reduces fuel consumption by 12% and noise levels by 50%, making it a more efficient and environmentally friendly option. The GTF will provide 17,000 lb (75.7 kN) of thrust for the MRJ90 model, which seats 86 to 96 passengers, and 15,000 lb (66.8 kN) for the MRJ70, accommodating 70 to 80 passengers.
Rockwell Collins will supply the Pro Line 21 avionics system for the MRJ, ensuring advanced cockpit technology. Additionally, MHI has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saab to support the marketing and service of the MRJ in Europe and the U.S., further strengthening its international presence.
If the project moves forward, the MRJ will be Japan’s first domestically developed commercial aircraft since the YS-11, which was produced between 1962 and 1974. Although the YS-11 was eventually discontinued, the legacy of Japanese aerospace innovation lives on. In the 1980s, a group of Japanese companies explored a 150-seat aircraft called YXX, later shifting to a smaller YSX model. After several years of research and development, the focus eventually shifted to the 70- to 90-seat market, leading to the current MRJ initiative.
MHI plans to supply the MRJ to major Japanese carriers, including All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), while also targeting key export markets in Europe and North America. The company is currently in discussions with potential partners, with Boeing being a preferred candidate. However, details of these negotiations remain confidential.
Overall, the MRJ project represents a bold move for MHI, signaling its return to the commercial aviation industry after decades of focusing primarily on industrial and defense sectors. With cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a clear market vision, the MRJ could reshape the future of regional air travel.