Bombardier may have launched its CSeries family only two days ago, but Japan’s aerospace industry has already revealed its desire to muscle in on the action.
Industry consortium Japan Aircraft Development Corporation (JADC) revealed government-funded feasibility studies of a potential 100-150-seat airliner family at the show. If launched, the YPX would go head-to-head with the Canadian-manufacturer’s C110/130 product line.
The twin-engined YPX would borrow heavily from Japan’s indigenously-developed, four-engined P-X maritime patrol aircraft, incorporating elements such as the wing box and empennage.
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Kawasaki consulting engineer Yuichi Hirakami says the YPX could feature a composite wing and would be equipped with “highly efficient” engines. A launch could occur in “4-5 years”, allowing for entry into service around “2018-19”, he adds.
In the nearer term JADC is hoping to secure export sales of a commercialised version of the P-X’s sister aircraft, the high-wing, twin-engined C-X. The organisation is in talks with potential maintenance providers that would provide worldwide support for the commercial C-X, says Hirakami.
JADC is a consortium of Japan’s major aircraft manufacturers, which co-ordinates development work on commercial aircraft projects.
Source: Flight International
