Page 32 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016 Online Magazine

A GBP Publication
shoW PReVieW JAPAN AEROSPACE 2016

Japan: Preferred Aerospace Partner

It has been a long journey since 1965, when Yuasa/Thales, are amongst a large number of also be in charge of the low pressure turbine
Japan’s aviation industry commenced companies in Japan, that are on the cutting- components used in the Boeing 777X and are
production of the 60 seater YS-11 twin-engine edge of aviation technology. Japanese firms also participating in the development of the
turboprop aeroplane, the island nation’s first have also benefited from international joint PW1100G-JM. The increasing development
indigenous civilian aircraft. 180 of the type development of next generation commercial costs and risks associated with engine
were eventually built and in the following jetliners, allowing them to play a central design, coupled with high-end Japanese
decades, the Japanese aerospace industry role in the development of aircraft such as aero-engine capability means that it will
has grown to become a global powerhouse Boeing’s 767, 777, 777X and 787 and engines handle a greater share of development of the
and an integral part of the international such as V2500, Trent 1000, GEnx, GE9X, next-generation of aero-engines currently
aviation supply chain. When one looks at PW1100G-JM etc. under development. Japan is also the global
aircraft production figures by demand, the As the fifth largest helicopter user in leader for the carbon fiber products for
break-up in aircraft production between the the world, Japan has also built a strong carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and
defence sector and civilian aircraft sector is manufacturing and skill base for development accounts for 70 percent of the world’s supply.
32 percent and 48 percent respectively. The and manufacture of fuselages, engines and This makes Japan a key partner for next-
heavyweight trio of the Japanese aerospace all other helicopter components. Japanese generation aircraft development as the use
industry are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries firms will also manufacture approximately 21 of CFRP is rapidly expanding. MHI and KHI
(MHI), Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and percent of the main structural components supply the main-wing box and centre-wing
Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI). These companies on the new Boeing 777X and are also box respectively for Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner,
along with Panasonic Avionics, JAMCO, suppliers to Airbus programmes such as the which is made up of 50 percent composite
Sumitomo, Bridgestone, ShinMaywa, GS A320, A330, A350XWG and A380. They will materials.
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32 ASIAN AIRLINES & AEROSPACE SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016