Japanese and French aerospace industry groups signed an accord Tuesday in France to study a next-generation supersonic passenger aircraft that would succeed the Concorde, which was taken out of service in 2003, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said.
The next-generation airplane is expected to be equipped with 300 seats, triple the Concorde's capacity, and halve the flight time between Tokyo and New York, METI officials said.
The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies and the French Aerospace Industries Association signed the agreement on bilateral cooperation for a three-year research project at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France, according to the ministry.
The industry groups are expected to conduct research on technologies related to the use of composite materials, reduction of engine noise and other areas.
"I hope the two aircraft industries will achieve the realization of the future dream of supersonic transport" by combining Japan's art of manufacturing technology with French supersonic technology as represented by the Concorde, METI chief Shoichi Nakagawa said.
METI has earmarked 110 million yen this fiscal year for the project.
The private sectors of the two countries will each invest 100 million yen a year.
Participants include the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and its members, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co.