Mitsubishi Leading toward Start of MRJ Production

Mitsubishi’s Regional Jet is entering the production drawing phase, which could signal the beginning of parts production for the new jet. Mitsubishi completed the design review for the MRJ last week, and the company is proceeding with the production drawing phase, which will include more detailed parts design. The company says the MRJ is on track and Mitsubishi has laid out the development schedule. The first flight of the aircraft is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012, and first delivery to launch customer All Nippon Airways is expected in the first quarter of 2014. Mitsubishi has selected the Pratt & Whitney PW1217G to power the aircraft, and the engine development program is running in parallel with the MRJ’s. Pratt began engine core testing in December 2009 and the first engine is scheduled for flight testing next month.