Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has revealed that flight testing of its regional jet, the MRJ, has begun in the USA. The first MRJ-90 test aircraft (FTA-1) completed a three-hour plus flight from Moses Lake in Washington state on October 17.
Mitsubishi has said that four of its five test aircraft will be based in the USA to hasten testing as the climate is more amenable for more regular flying. The quiet airspace around Grant County in Washington makes it an ideal location for flight testing.
Mitsubishi said that “frequent, multiple flight tests” in the USA will propel the MRJ toward a 2018 type certification by the FAA. Other regional jets manufactured by Bombardier and Embraer will be the principle competition the MRJ will face after certification.
October 20, 2016
