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Mitsubishi Aircraft’s remaining three MRJ regional jet test aircraft have received regulatory approval to resume flight testing.
The manufacturer has been flying aircraft FTA-4 since 6 September, however FTA’s -1,-2 and -3 required approval from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for them to return to the air.
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Following an engine change, the aircraft was ferried a week later back to its base at Moses Lake on 28 August.
The manufacturer is still in the final investigation of what caused the shutdown, but says that “current analysis tells us that the incident from August on FTA-2 is isolated and the rest of the MRJ flight test aircraft were inspected and cleared as they were not affected.”
TC957 wrote:That's what I was wondering too - can't think of another commercial airliner wanting 10 test frames ! Presumably most will be refurbished for airline ops once done on the testing.
ordell wrote:What's she doing in Phoenix? Heat testing?
I'm amazed the program will use 10 test frames. That must be expensive. Make it 11 if one includes the static test frame.
Waterbomber wrote:I doubt that you can call a B737NG cockpit a course correction.
First of all because it's an outdated, messy cockpit design. I especially don't like the overhead panel. If you would take that ugly thing out and lay it flat on the floor, a baby would mistake it for one of those boards where you learn to fit shapes.
Amiga500 wrote:For the life of me, I just don't see how the MRJ is going to gain much market acceptance.
Very similar in ways to the ERJ, but lacking in a number of crucial areas (family, overhead bins impairing turnarounds, lower range without substantial OEW benefits).
If folks see the CSeries as fitting into a small niche, the MRJ niche must be microscopic.
LockheedBBD wrote:I am actually curious if Bombardier ever tried pitching the CSeries to Mitsubishi like they did to Boeing and Airbus.
ordell wrote:The Japanese are also especially lousy about partnering with foreign firms.
JA786A wrote:ordell wrote:The Japanese are also especially lousy about partnering with foreign firms.
Well, Mitsubishi is partnering with Boeing for quite a long time.
LockheedBBD wrote:JA786A wrote:ordell wrote:The Japanese are also especially lousy about partnering with foreign firms.
Well, Mitsubishi is partnering with Boeing for quite a long time.
What is going to happen when Boeing acquires Embraer? The E-Jet family and MRJ are direct competitors.
Waterbomber wrote:MITAC could not team up on the Cseries.
Remember that their parent company is a major Boeing supplier.
JA786A wrote:ordell wrote:The Japanese are also especially lousy about partnering with foreign firms.
Well, Mitsubishi is partnering with Boeing for quite a long time.
Mitsubishi has revealed some information, photos and footage today. Both JA26MJ and JA27MJ have been painted in a newly built painting facility in a eurowhite livery and JA25MJ underwent an "APU parking noise test" which was "successful". 26 and 27 already have the adjusted design. Meanwhile, even Mitsubishi Heavy Industries CEO Shunichi Miyanaga expects Swift Air to cancel the order.
The Japanese manufacturer tells FlightGlobal that the target is to complete the assembly of these two jets and put them to tests towards the end of 2018. These additional aircraft will incorporate late design changes of its avionics bay that were made to comply with certification requirements.
The aircraft will focus on high-intensity radiated field and electromagnetic interference tests, functionality and reliability, passenger comfort and operational evaluation.
With the two additional jets, Mitsubishi will use six flight test aircraft for the MRJ programme.
globetrotter94 wrote:LockheedBBD wrote:JA786A wrote:Well, Mitsubishi is partnering with Boeing for quite a long time.
What is going to happen when Boeing acquires Embraer? The E-Jet family and MRJ are direct competitors.
My guess is nothing. Boeing does not have any stake in the MRJ and to my knowledge, Embraer does not have any stake in the Boeing 767/777/787 for which MHI (MRJ's parent company) provides components to Boeing (including 787 wings). However, if Boeing (which now has skin in the regional jet game through partnership with Embraer) is able to exert any influence in the American market for renegotiation of the scope clauses, then it would be great for both the MRJ and the new line of E-Jets.
ITB wrote:
The possible modification of scope at UA is a very positive development for Mitsubishi Aircraft. If scope is indeed relaxed, pressure will mount at DL and AA to do likewise.