First MRJ flight test aircraft final assembly commences

Final assembly of the first MRJ flight test aircraft under development by Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) got underway today at the Komaki South Plant of MHI's Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works located in Aichi Prefecture. The start of final assembly follows the October 13 transfer of the aircraft's mid fuselage fabricated at the Tobishima Plant also in Aichi Prefecture. Assembly of the aircraft will progressively advance as other sections of the fuselage, main wings and other structural components arrive, after which electrical wiring, hydraulic and other systems will be installed, followed by other necessary equipment.

In step with final assembly, plans call for the vertical tail and horizontal stabilizer - built at MHI's Oye Plant in Nagoya - as well as the aircraft's remarkably fuel-efficient cutting-edge engine - supplied by Pratt & Whitney - to be integrated to the airframe. The MRJ, Japan's first-ever commercial passenger jet, is on the road to becoming a reality. Looking ahead, Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI will continue working closely with MRJ program partners, moving steadily towards successfully completing this next-generation regional jet that will offer outstanding fuel efficiency, environmental friendliness, and cabin comfort.