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| September 27, 1999 No.0884 | ||
| MHI TO DELIVER THE FIRST "MITSUBISHI
MH2000" JAPAN'S FIRST INDIGENOUS HELICOPTER |
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| Tokyo, September 27, 1999 -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will deliver its first "Mitsubishi MH2000" helicopters to Excel Air Service Inc. (head office: Chiba Prefecture, Japan) on October 1st at the Komaki South Plant of MHI's Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works. The delivery ceremony at the plant is expected to be attended by about 100 people, including Mr. Takaaki Hori, President of Excel Air Service; Mr. Takashi Nishioka, President of MHI and Mr. Jyunichi Maezawa, Director and General Manager of Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works. | ||
The MH2000 is Japan's first indigenous helicopter with MHI having solely developed and manufactured the aircraft body and engine, and has already obtained TA class type certification from the Ministry of Transportation on September 24, 1999. The MH2000 to be delivered is a 10-seater, capable of accommodating eight passengers and two crew members, and has a maximum speed of 280 kilometers per hour with a maximum range of 780 kilometers at an economical cruising speed of 250 kilometers per hour. In developing the MH2000, MHI has thoroughly pursued the goals of safety, economy and low-noise levels by employing its experienced aerospace technologies and has produced it as one of the most advanced helicopters in the world that fully meets the needs of today's market. . The MH2000 is powered by two MG5-110 turboshaft engines developed specifically for MH2000, with maximum take-off power of 876 shp each. This FADEC (Full Authority Digital Electronic Control System) controlled engine has dual engine speed modes - a high-speed and low-noise mode. Through the combined advantage of the two engine modes and low-noise rotor, the MH2000 has realized great reduction in both the interior and exterior noise of the helicopter. The MH2000 has also achieved outstanding comfort for passengers. The rotor drive train of the helicopter, including the gear box, is arranged away from the cabin area, so that the cabin's inner noise level can be minimized and more room for the cabin space can be provided. The Excel Air Service is a Japan's leading sightseeing flight service company, which operates day and night sky cruising in the Tokyo and Yokohama Bay area. The Excel Air plans to use the MH2000 as its main aircraft for night cruising flights from early November of 1999. After having been highly evaluated its excellent performance, MHI has received many inquiries for the MH2000 from potential customers and has received two separate orders in addition to that of Excel Air Service. By using this delivery as a springboard, MHI will further strengthen marketing activities of the MH2000. # # # |
