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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 aviation market by planning to establish a new company dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and selling its 70- to 90-seat Mitsubishi Regional Jets (MRJ). As part of this initiative, MHI has selected Pratt & Whitney’s gear-driven turbofan engine (GTF) as the powerplant for the MRJ, marking a significant technological shift in regional jet design.
Unlike previous regional jet projects, MHI is not waiting until March 31, 2008, to officially launch the MRJ. The aircraft is expected to enter service by 2012, with a goal of securing 1,000 orders from an estimated 5,000-unit market over the next two decades. This ambitious target highlights MHI’s confidence in the potential of the MRJ to compete with other regional aircraft such as Bombardier’s E-Jet, China’s ARJ21, and Russia’s Sukhoi Superjet 100.
Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine stands out for its fuel efficiency and noise reduction capabilities. According to Todd Kallman, president of Pratt & Whitney’s civilian engine division, the GTF offers a 12% improvement in fuel consumption and a 50% reduction in noise compared to competing engines like General Electric’s CF34-10A and Rolls-Royce’s RB211. 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.
To enhance the MRJ’s avionics system, Rockwell Collins will supply the Pro Line 21 system, ensuring advanced navigation and communication capabilities. Additionally, MHI has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saab to support the marketing and maintenance of the MRJ in Europe and the U.S., further strengthening its global presence.
If successful, the MRJ will be the first domestically produced civil aircraft in Japan since the YS-11, which was discontinued in 1974 after producing 182 units. In the 1980s and 1990s, Japanese companies explored various regional aircraft concepts, including the YXX and YSX projects, but these were eventually scaled back due to funding and market challenges. However, MHI refocused its efforts on the 70- to 90-seat market in 2005 based on updated market research.
MHI plans to supply the MRJ to Japan’s two major airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), while targeting export markets in Europe and the U.S. The company is also in discussions with potential partners to create a sustainable business model, with Boeing being a preferred partner. Although details remain confidential, the collaboration could play a key role in the MRJ’s global success.