WICHITA, Kan., April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit
AeroSystems, Inc. (NYSE: SPR), Monday celebrated the rollout of the
first flight test pylon for the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ)
aircraft. The pylon and underwing structure are used to mount the
aircraft's Pratt & Whitney power plant to the wing and are
designed and manufactured by Spirit at the company's Wichita, Kan., facility.
"Today's rollout marks a pivotal milestone and highlights a
unique opportunity to collaborate with a new original equipment
manufacturer in developing an all-new aircraft for the 70 to
100-seat market segment," said Cathy
McClain, director of Business and Regional Jet programs for
Spirit.
"Spirit has extensive experience with underwing pylons, and is
honored to work with Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation on this
program," said David Coleal,
executive vice president, Boeing, Business/Regional Jets, and
Aftermarket. "The MRJ aircraft pylon is the latest example of how
we put our team's creativity, determination and expertise to work
in support of our customer."
In 2008, Mitsubishi awarded a contract to Spirit AeroSystems to
design and build pylons for both the MRJ70 and MRJ90 aircraft
models. The work package also includes systems, pylon-to-wing
integration hardware and the aft fairing package. Spirit has more
than 75 years of experience designing and producing pylons.
An industry team of Spirit, Mitsubishi and Pratt & Whitney
have worked together to define structural interface points and
complete the pylon structural design. The finished product is made
of lightweight aluminum, titanium and composite components, and is
a combination of purchased items, Spirit-fabricated components and
Mitsubishi-furnished equipment.
"Working together, Spirit and Mitsubishi have forged a strong,
productive relationship based on mutual respect and quality," said
Marshall Philips, program manager of
Spirit's MRJ aircraft pylon program. "Going forward, this robust
relationship has both companies poised for the success and growth
of the MRJ program."
The MRJ is a next-generation regional jet developed by
Mitsubishi Aircraft based on technology cultivated by Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries. The MRJ family consists of the MRJ90 (90 seat
class) and the MRJ70 (70 seat class). These aircraft have common
wings, empennage, engines and systems. In addition, they have
commonalities in pilot type rating, maintenance program and spare
parts.
On the web: www.spiritaero.com
On Twitter: @SpiritAero
About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.
Spirit AeroSystems,
with headquarters in Wichita,
Kan., USA, is one of the world's largest non-OEM designers
and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft. In
addition to its Wichita and
Chanute facilities in Kansas, Spirit has locations in Tulsa and McAlester,
Okla.; Kinston, N.C.;
Nashville, Tenn.; Prestwick,
Scotland; Preston, England; Subang, Malaysia; and Saint-Nazaire, France. In the U.S., Spirit's core products
include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components.
Additionally, Spirit provides aftermarket customer support
services, including spare parts, maintenance/repair/overhaul, and
fleet support services in North
America, Europe and
Asia. Spirit Europe produces wing components for a host of
customers, including Airbus.
![Spirit AeroSystems logo. Spirit AeroSystems logo.](http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20130515/CG13652LOGO)
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SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.