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Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ)

2020 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

History

The Japanese island nation has been launching fully domestic jets for some time, but that will all change with the launch of the "Mitsubishi Regional Jet" (MRJ) in 2014, designed to compete with regional jets in Brazil and elsewhere Aircraft Competition. The MRJ was Japan's first jet since the propeller-powered NAMC YS-11 was introduced in 1965.

Despite the promising design, the YS-11 failed to gain global popularity, with only 182 remaining. The new MRJ is scheduled to fly for the first time in 2015 and the series will officially launch in 2017.

Several carriers have already selected the product, including ANA and Mandalay Airlines, as well as several US groups. Total orders as of October 2014 reflect approximately 223 examples, with an option for an additional 184 airframes.

The MRJ was designed by Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MAC) and will be manufactured under the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) brand at a cost of $42 million each.

Care has been taken by using composite materials (about 15% of aircraft) to produce end products that reduce weight and cost. Efficiency is achieved through aerodynamically improved high-performance wings and a fuselage with tip winglets. Maneuverability (fly-by-wire) and safety are aided by a state-of-the-art glass cockpit (Rockwell Collins' "Pro Line Fusion" series) that showcases four large LCDs and traditional control columns (with steering rod opposite).

Noise reduction programs have been implemented throughout the fuselage to maximize passenger comfort. Interior seating will feature single-aisle, two-row seating (four abreast) with 18-inch spacing between interior seats, with overhead storage for a roll bag or equivalent passenger cargo.

The overall design of the MRJ is very orthodox by modern standards, including a beautifully sculpted nose cone and large cockpit windshield. The fuselage is expected to be tubular, with the main wing aircraft mounted below the fuselage.

Each wing is well swept back, covered with winglets at its ends, and manages an engine nacelle mounted below in the jet's twin-engine configuration. The rear wing layout is conventional, with a vertical rear wing and upswept horizontal rear wing.

The proposed MRJ model has already been shown at the 2007 Paris Air Show, and marketing has since started to attract interest from potential buyers. Delays inevitably delayed the project's milestones by several years before the plane was finally unveiled to the public in Nagoya, Japan, in October 2014.

The MRJ will be marketed through two different aircraft models, for a total of six proposed brands. The MRJ70 and MRJ90 are the two types available, the latter with a 7.8-foot longer body. Sub-variants of the MRJ70 are MRJ70STD (standard), MRJ70ER (extended range) and MRJ70LR (remote). Aside from the ability to scale between the three -- primarily range and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) changes -- these will all be largely the same aircraft. The MRJ70 is said to have a total passenger capacity of 78.

The MRJ90STD, MRJ90ER and MRJ90LR will follow as their longer hulls increase internal volume. The range and MTOW also vary between these sub-variants. The MRJ90 is said to have a total passenger capacity of 92.

All MRJ aircraft are powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1217G engines which promise environmental benefits (noise reduction), improved safety features, top performance and fuel efficiency.