Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engines Ltd., called the assembly and testing of the PW1200G engine a “significant production milestone” towards Japan’s first jet aircraft developed by Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (Mitsubishi Aircraft), the MRJ.

The first PW1200G engine produced at the facility is designated to be used in the MRJ flight test programme.

Preparing for production

Katsuyuki Shimauchi, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engines, Ltd., said: “Thanks to extensive and close cooperation with Pratt & Whitney, MHIAEL is developing a facility in Komaki to perform final assembly of the PW1200G engine powering the MRJ. We’re gearing up intensely as we prepare for production by building the capacities and expertise we need to perform this critical work. Our facility is in the process of obtaining approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration to produce these engines.”

Graham Webb, Vice President, Pratt & Whitney commercial engine programme, added: “The assembly and test of the first PW1200G engine at MHIAEL in Komaki is a key milestone for the PW1200G programme. We greatly appreciate our long-standing partnership and high level of collaboration with the MHI Group. Congratulations to the MHIAEL and Pratt & Whitney teams that ensured this achievement was successfully accomplished.”

Replay our Farnborough Airshow interview with Alex Bellamy, Chief Development Officer, MRJ Program Management Office:

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter