Mitsubishi Heavy attributed the failure of the SpaceJet to an insufficient initial understanding of the highly complex certification process for airliners.
The suspension of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) SpaceJet regional jet program helped the company’s aerospace division return to profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) wants to move some employees from its suspended SpaceJet program to defense activities, as part of a wider intention to apply skills from the civil aeronautics business to the rest of the group.
Mitsubishi Aircraft confirmed its commitment to achieving certification for the first SpaceJet version but indicated no immediate return to flight testing.
The drive to develop Japan’s first commercial aircraft since 1974 hits another stumbling block as flight tests are halted and production is shut down. Aviation Week editors discuss whether the regional jet program will survive—and whether its troubles will benefit Embraer.
The company said it must first meet cost targets and then work out a plan to get a type certificate. Only after the regional jet is declared airworthy will the resumption of manufacturing be considered.
Mitsubishi Aircraft is mothballing its SpaceJet flight testing operation in the U.S., consolidating operations in Nagoya, Japan, and closing all offices elsewhere, a spokesperson for the company said.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has suspended development of the M100 version of the SpaceJet regional jet as one measure in stanching the cash bleed from the program.
Mitsubishi Aircraft is maintaining flight testing of a SpaceJet prototype at its Nagoya, Japan headquarters as pandemic-control measures prevent activity at its U.S. test base.
Mitsubishi Aircraft on Mar. 18 conducted the first flight of the first SpaceJet prototype that conforms to the new, certifiable design of the regional jet.
The first Pratt & Whitney PW1200G engine to be assembled in Japan has been flown, installed in a Mitsubishi Aircraft SpaceJet prototype, the airframe company said.
Mitsubishi Aircraft denies reports that it has already decided to further extend the development schedule of the SpaceJet regional airliner, saying the matter is still being evaluated.
