[HD video below] BAE Systems has signed an agreement with
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation of Japan to provide design
integration and certification services in connection with the
propulsion systems for the next-generation Mitsubishi Regional Jet
(MRJ) aircraft.
A team from BAE Systems’ Regional Aircraft
business at Prestwick in Scotland will provide engineering
expertise on a number of work packages for the aircraft which
include powerplant, pylon, nacelle, auxiliary power units and fuel
systems.
The MRJ aircraft, a 70-90-seat family of
twin-engined regional jets, will be powered by Pratt and Whitney
PurePower PW1000G engines. First flight is scheduled for 2012,
with entry into service planned for 2014. Current customers for
the MRJ are All Nippon Airways and Trans States Holdings of the
USA.
In addition to the specialist team located at
Prestwick, BAE Systems also has liaison support personnel located
at the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation headquarters at Nagoya,
Japan, and at Pratt and Whitney’s facility in Hartford,
Connecticut, USA.
Alan Fraser, Managing Director of
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, said, “For a number of years we have been in discussion
with Mitsubishi and I am delighted that we now have an opportunity
to contribute to this ground-breaking programme. I believe we have
a strong track record of experience and expertise and the award of
this contract demonstrates the trust that Mitsubishi has in our
people. This will allow us to build upon our existing capabilities
and leverage them on to the next generation of aircraft. We hope
this will be a first step in a developing relationship with
Mitsubishi for the MRJ.”
