The MRJ regional jet has lifted off from Nagoya airfield on its maiden flight, becoming airborne at around 09:35 local time.

Mitsubishi Aircraft says the jet will fly for about an hour around the surrounding airspace.

Mitsubishi

The maiden sortie will seek to confirm the basic characteristics, such as ascent, descent and circling, of the jet. During the flight, movable parts of the aircraft such as its landing gear and flaps will be in a fixed position and the thrust reverser system will not be engaged.

The Japanese manufacturer did not provide more information prior the flight, but had previously told Flightglobal that two pilots with military experience will be piloting the MRJ on the first flight. One is an ex-Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilot while the other is a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force pilot.

Mitsubishi

The first flight test aircraft (FTA 1) was rolled out last October, and painted in Mitsubishi’s distinctive, red black and gold livery. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1200G engines.

Mitsubishi is using five flight test aircraft for the flight campaign, which is expected to cover 2,500 hours of testing.

The airframer has about 1.5 years to complete tests and certification, before it is due to deliver the first aircraft in the second quarter of 2017.

It has so far received firm orders for 223 MRJs, with options and purchase rights for a further 184.

Source: Cirium Dashboard