Mitsubishi taps F-15 specialist to pull SpaceJet out of tailspin

Fighter jet specialist inherits six-time delayed project with half the staff

20200630N F-15

Mitsubishi Aircraft's new development chief, Yasuhiko Kawaguchi, has an extensive resume involving defense equipment, including an update to the F-15 fighter jet. (Photo courtesy of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force)

AZUSA KAWAKAMI and ANNU NISHIOKA, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Just days before being named the development chief for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' embattled SpaceJet project, veteran engineer Yasuhiko Kawaguchi was seen making the rounds at government agencies in the capital.

"I ask for your continued cooperation on obtaining type certification," Kawaguchi told officials, referring to a key permit necessary for the project to move forward.

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