One of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) test aircraft returned to Japan during a planned repositioning flight to Washington state. Media reports in Japan say it was the second day the aircraft had to turn back due to problems with the air conditioning system.
The MRJ, Japan’s first home-developed passenger aircraft in more than 50 years, is designed to seat up to 92 people. The aircraft which turned back is the first of four that Mitsubishi plans to relocate to Moses Lake, Washington state for testing as company would like rapidly gain FAA approval for the aircraft.
The four MRJ aircraft are slated relocate for extended flight testing at Moses Lake, taking advantage of the better weather, unconstricted air space and the local aerospace engineering talent.
AeroTEC, a Seattle-based engineering company, will provide technical support and aircraft-certification services for Mitsubishi.
