Mitsubishi Aircraft has disclosed that two pilots with military experience will be piloting the MRJ regional jet on its first flight next week.
In response to queries from Flightglobal, the Japanese manufacturer confirms that an ex-Japan Air Self-Defense Force and a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force pilot will be on the MRJ’s first flight.
“Both pilots are superb test pilots with plenty of experience and flight test qualifications,” says Mitsubishi, adding that the other crew members that will be on the first flight are still “under consideration”.
Mitsubishi has identified a window between 26 October and 30 October for the regional jet’s maiden sortie. The exact date of the flight will be announced one day in advance.
Asked about the tests done on its iron bird thus far, it said: “We have conducted the tests required to be completed prior to flight tests with the test rig/iron bird. Necessary tests will continue to be carried out along with flight tests.”
It adds that low speed taxiing tests started in June, but that it still needs to conduct medium speed taxi tests at 100 knots (185km/h) and high speed taxi tests at 120 knots, before the aircraft is able to take its first flight.
Mitsubishi has received firm orders for 223 MRJs, as well as options and purchase rights for a further 184.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
