Laver and Collins Complete World-girdling Anniversary Trip in Mitsubishi MU-2
In celebration of the MU-2’s 50th anniversary aircraft owner Mike Laver and Mike Collins, an AOPA magazine staffer, flew Laver’s MU-2 around the world from Frederick, Md. Upon arrival in Nagoya, Japan, the pair was greeted by Mitsubishi employees, media and the public.
In celebration of the MU-2’s 50th anniversary aircraft owner Mike Laver and Mike Collins, an AOPA magazine staffer, flew Laver’s MU-2 around the world from Frederick, Md. Upon arrival in Nagoya, Japan, the pair was greeted by Mitsubishi employees, media and the public.

Fifty years ago, on Sept. 14, 1963, a pair of test pilots for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries pushed the power levers forward and a uniquely designed twin-engine turboprop raced down the runway then lifted into the sky. Powered by two Turbomeca Astazou turboshafts, the XMU-2, as the prototype was named, spawned the production version Garrett 331-powered MU-2 family, of which about 290 are still successfully flying worldwide.

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