Nagoya, Japan/West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, May 31, 2017 -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (MHI), Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: Pratt & Whitney, a unit of UTX, today announced that the Pratt & Whitney Quiet Power Geared Turbofan PW1200G engine has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification. This was achieved after the fourth Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) flight test aircraft arrived at the Moses Lake City Flight Test Center to support a busy 2017 schedule of tests and milestones, including initial high, low temperature and natural icing tests.
Both the MRJ-70 and MRJ-90 aircraft are powered by two PW1200G engines. The engine has been specially optimized for the MRJ program, while the wing and aerodynamics are also integrated with the PW1200G engine. The engine's advanced technology will reduce operating costs by 10-20% and regulated emissions by 50% compared to existing regional jets, giving the MRJ the most efficient and environmental performance in its class.
Hisakazu Mizutani, president of Mitsubishi Aircraft, said: "The integrated engine and aircraft design highlights the importance of collaboration in the successful development of a new generation of regional aircraft, and we are very proud to be the first company to select this game-changing engine for the MRJ. We congratulate the Pratt & Whitney team on this important milestone. "This achievement is the latest in a series of ongoing development milestones and testing efforts for the MRJ as we look forward to moving into the next phase of aircraft testing."
"The FAA's type certification of the PW1200G engine is a milestone for Pratt & Whitney and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation," said Chris Calio, president of Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. "With Mitsubishi giving us the confidence to power their all-new aircraft, the CleanPower engine program got off the ground, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on the success of the MRJ program."
More than 15 forensic tests of critical engine systems were successfully completed to meet FAA certification requirements. The work collected data required for certification including performance, pressure, durability, emissions, noise, bird strikes, and fan blade containment. In development, certification and flight testing, the engine has accumulated more than 6,000 hours and 15,000 cycles. The engine provides 17,000 pounds of thrust and is currently powering five flight-test aircraft.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aero-engines and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-tech systems and services to the global construction and aerospace industries. For more information about United Technologies, please visit our website at www.utc.com.
About MRJ
The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) family is a new generation of 70 - to 90-seat class aircraft that uses Pratt & Whitney's revolutionary Cleanpower ® engines and cutting-edge aerodynamics to dramatically reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions while delivering superior operating returns. Its outstanding cabin design provides passengers with a comfortable flying experience through large overhead compartments. The MRJ completed its maiden flight on Nov 11, 2015.
