MRJ

Mitsubishi Aircraft has started full-scale testing of its Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), in preparation of the scheduled first flight during the second quarter of 2015.

As part of the test, the company performed the first engine run for the starboard side engine of 70-90 aircraft at the apron of the Nagoya Airport in Aichi Prefecture.

The test was carried out to verify the functioning of the aircraft’s various systems, including hydraulic, fuel, air conditioning, electric systems and power system such as engines.

On 25 December, 2014, Mitsubishi Aircraft carried out the wing up-bending test on the static strength test aircraft at the strength test station near its Komaki South Plant of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works.

The test was to verify the maximum load capacity the aircraft would experience during a flight.

Static strength test is an airframe tests to determine whether the aircraft meets safety standards in strength. During testing, the load was calculated from simulation of all flight conditions.

"The test was to verify the maximum load capacity the aircraft would experience during a flight."

The results from wing up-bending tests were as anticipated, the company said.

Ahead of the first test flight, Mitsubishi Aircraft is planning perform other tests including functional tests and engineering tests.

The MRJ regional aircraft to compete against Embraer and Bombardier in small passenger jet segment.

MRJ will feature Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower engine and equipped with advanced aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions.

In October, Mitsubishi Aircraft rolled-out Japan’s first passenger jet after four years of delay at the Komaki Minami Plant of MHI’s Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works in Aichi Prefecture.

Mitsubishi Aircraft is majority owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, while other partners in the Japanese venture include Mitsubishi, Toyota Motor, Sumitomo, Mitsui among others.

Image: Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) is a regional aircraft with a seating capacity for 70-90 passengers. Photo: courtesy of Mitsubishi Aircraft.