Preparing for a crucial flight test this week, officials with the key contractor developing a Japanese supersonic jet said they are confident they have the technology to make the project fly -- but not so sure of its future business prospects.
The prototype is to be launched on a rocket from Australia's Woomera test range Friday and released at an altitude of about 20 km. It is supposed to reach Mach 2 and collect aerodynamic data. The 11.5-meter-long craft is designed to then parachute back to Earth after the 15-minute flight.
Though a test in July 2002 ended in failure, officials at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., which is developing the aircraft for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, said they are confident of success this time around.