Mitsubishi MRJ starts full-scale tests toward first flight

Nagoya, Japan – Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. has started full-scale testing of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) toward its first flight scheduled in the second quarter this year.

 

Mitsubishi Aircraft performed the first engine run for the starboard side engine of MRJ’s first flight test aircraft at the apron of the Nagoya Airport (Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi prefecture) on Jan. 13, 2015. The first engine run verified the total operations of the aircraft’s various systems including hydraulic, fuel, air conditioning, electric systems, and power [engine] system.

 

The company also performed the wing up-bending test on the static strength test aircraft at the strength test station adjacent to Komaki South Plant of MHI's Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works (Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi prefecture) on Dec. 25, 2014. The static strength test is one of the airframe tests to inspect that the aircraft meets safety standards in strength. During the testing, the maximum load that the aircraft is expected to experience while flying was applied to the wing of the static strength test aircraft, which was calculated from simulation of all flight conditions. The wing up-bending test produced anticipated results.

 

Mitsubishi Aircraft remains firmly committed to the success of the first flight with an on-track progress of the upcoming tests, such as functional tests and engineering tests.

 

Mitsubishi Regional Jet is a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation aircraft featuring the Pratt & Whitney PurePower engine and state-of-the-art aerodynamics to drastically reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions, while offering top-class operational benefits, an outstanding cabin designed for heightened passenger flying comfort, and large overhead bins.