MRJ final configuration shows roomier cabin; service entry pushed back

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. yesterday announced the final configuration of its MRJ, showing a taller cabin, increased overhead bin space and a wing box made of aluminum rather than composite materials.

In conjunction with the changes, made as a result of customer feedback and discussions, the manufacturer delayed the program by about a year, with first flight now set for the second quarter of 2012 and first delivery in the first quarter of 2014 rather than 2013 (ATWOnline, May 21). It also said it is considering a 100-seat MRJ stretch to join the 78-seat MRJ70 and 92-seat MRJ90 versions currently being offered. The program was launched officially in March 2008 with 25 MRJ90 orders from ANA.

Fuselage height has been raised by 2.5 in. to 116.5 in., enabling a 1.5 in. increase in cabin centerline headroom to 80.5 in. and 12% more overhead bin volume. The cargo holds have been redesigned to eliminate the smaller forward hold and enlarge the aft compartment. The volume remains unchanged at 644 cu. ft. but the redesign will facilitate baggage handling on the aircraft, Mitsubishi said. As a result of the change, the pressure bulkhead has been relocated farther aft, the floor of the cargo hold is lower and the avionics compartment is moved to the forward compartment.

The decision to switch to aluminum for the wing box was driven by the desire to simplify manufacturing and allow shorter lead times for structural changes. Additionally, "with an aluminum wing box, the wings can be optimized to match the attributes of each member of the MRJ airplane family. This will maximize the performance of all MRJ models, including the possible stretch version," the company said.

When the fly-by-wire aircraft was introduced, Mitsubishi said it would be composed of 30% composite materials including the wing and vertical stabilizer. It will be powered by Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G geared turbofan. Final configuration places the aircraft "on the path to completing critical design review and design freeze in the coming months."

by Sandra Arnoult

Originally published 11 Sep 2009 at: http://feeds.atwonline.com/~r/AtwDailyNews/~3/Z9SL0rW8s6U/story.html