Aviation News Item: 00347

9th Sep 2009

Source: ubmaviationnews.com

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MJET) has said it finalised the configuration of its future MRJ regional jet. A design freeze is expected for 2010, and the aircraft is now scheduled to take off for the first flight second quarter of 2012 rather than the fourth quarter of 2011. The aircraft's wing box will be made from aluminum, rather than carbon composites as originally proposed, which should make it easier to manufacture an optimal wing structure and achieve shorter lead times, according to the company. The fuselage diameter has been enlarged to increase the cabin height by 1.5in (3.8cm). The previously planned forward cargo compartment has been abandoned in favour of a greater aft cargo compartment; the total cargo volume remains unchanged at 644ft3 (18.2m3). Aside from the previously planned MRJ70 (78 seats) and MRJ90 (92 seats), the company has recently also proposed a stretched version for 100 seats.

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