Paul Lewis/TOKYO
JAPAN AIRCRAFT Development (JADC), expects to make a decision by August, on whether to continue with a 90 to 110 seat YS-X study with Boeing, or to shrink the project to a 70 to 90 seater, involving Bombardier.
JADC has to submit its request in August for Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) funding for the fiscal year 1997. As part of its budget submission, JADC must decide the focus and direction of the YS-X study.
MITI has provided '1.81 billion ($16.6 million) to extend further JADC's feasibility study of the YS-X to the end of the fiscal year 1996. Senior Japanese industry officials admit, though, that the YS-X in its existing 90-/110-seat form does not meet cost targets.
Sources suggest that the aircraft must be priced at under $20 million for JADC to compete effectively against rival 100-seater makers.
JADC has opened talks with Bombardier, on a feasibility study into a smaller regional jet, as an alternative to a 90- 110 size, twinjet.
Mitsubishi, one of three leading JADC partners, is keen to find new applications for its supercritical wing developed for the Bombardier Global Express. According to Mitsubishi managing director Takashi Nishioka, the wing would be suitable for a 90-seat aircraft.
Nishioka adds that, as the wing was designed in partnership with Bombardier, the Canadian company would have to be involved, in any new development.
For Bombardier, a 70- to 90-seat YS-X would represent the next step beyond its yet-to-be launched Canadair CRJ-X, in which Mitsubishi is also considering taking a stake. Design constraints prevent the stretched four-abreast 76-seat twinjet being further enlarged. JADC continues to insist on programme leadership and final assembly, but needs a Western partner for marketing and support.
Simultaneously, Boeing is continuing to re-assess its 100-seat options, after conceding defeat in the fight to partner China's AE-100 programme.
Source: Flight International
