JAPAN'S MINISTRY OF International Trade and Industry (MITI) will allocate '11,161 million ($106 million) in fiscal year 1996, to support indigenous and international collaborative aerospace programmes.
The budget includes '5,328 million for continued studies into development of the next-generation supersonic transport, and basic research of a super/hypersonic propulsion system.
A further '2,870 million will go towards the Japan Aerospace Industry (JAI) consortium's continued participation in the Boeing 777 programme. The JAI is responsible for 20% of the design, development and production of the twinjet's airframe.
MITI has set aside a total of '1,810 million to extend the Japan Aircraft Development study of the proposed 100-seat YS-X regional aircraft. The YS-X provision represents a reduction of 25% compared to that of FY1995 and reflects the recent decision to postpone launch of the aircraft.
Other major items include '877 million towards Japan's 30% stake in the General Electric CF34-8C growth engine project. Japan's participation in the programme will centre primarily on Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries also expected to join.
Source: Flight International
