Press Information
MHI Commences Mitsubishi Regional Jet Manufacturing
SHARE
Tokyo and Nagoya, September 30, 2010 - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MJET) have jointly announced the commencement today by MHI of the manufacture of the next-generation Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ). Based on an order placed by MJET, which is developing the MRJ, MHI began cutting aluminum material for the horizontal stabilizer's frame component of the aircraft. With this event, the MRJ project to develop Japan's first passenger jet has now entered the manufacturing phase, with the aircraft's first flight scheduled in 2012.
To mark the occasion of the metal-cutting for the MRJ, a ceremony was held and attended by Hideo Egawa, President of MJET, and Akihiko Ishikawa, Deputy General Manager of MHI's Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works, as well as others involved in the project. The event took place at the Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works, where manufacturing got under way.
The start of the MRJ's production indicates that development of the aircraft's production drawings is progressing after detailed design review this summer. Following MHI's lead, project partners will now launch manufacturing of the various components they are responsible for, based on the production drawings. MHI, in addition to producing the MRJ's major components such as the fuselage, wing, empennage and core system, will also be responsible for final assembly and equipment installation.
Going forward, MHI and MJET continue to devote their utmost efforts to make the MRJ project a success, aiming to play a significant role in the ongoing development of the global aviation industry.
About the MRJ
The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) is a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation regional jets which will offer both top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort based on a vision of applying advanced mainline jet technology to create a new standard of next-generation regional jets.
The MRJ is under development by MJET and will be based on cutting-edge technology cultivated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries during its many years engaged in the development and manufacture of both military and commercial aircraft.
By featuring state-of-the-art aerodynamic design, noise analysis technologies and a game-changing engine, the MRJ will significantly cut fuel consumption, noise and emissions, consequently improving airline competitiveness and profitability. The MRJ will have a four-abreast seat configuration, large overhead bins, and feature an innovative slim seat offering heightened passenger comfort.
About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world’s leading heavy machinery manufacturers, with consolidated sales of 2,940.8 billion yen in fiscal 2009 (year ended March 31, 2010). 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 airconditioning systems.
About Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation commenced operation on April 1, 2008 to conduct the design, type certification, procurement, sales & marketing and customer support of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ). It is currently capitalized at 100 billion yen, with financing furnished by, among others, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.