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FTA-1 (pictured) has expanded the flight envelope to the extent of design specifications and successfully completed flutter testing. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation Photo
The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) has completed more than 50 flight tests with the first and second flight test aircraft (FTA-1 and FTA-2).
FTA-1 has expanded the flight envelope to the extent of design specifications (maximum speed of Mach 0.78 and maximum altitude of 39,000 feet or about 11,900 metres), and successfully completed flutter testing.
This test purposely introduces oscillations to verify that the aircraft diminishes the effect and keeps flying safely without fluttering.
Ferry flights to the United States are scheduled to start in August. Prior to that, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation is carrying out two flight tests per day, fully preparing for multiple flight tests on a daily basis scheduled in the U.S.
FTA-3 and FTA-4 will move forward with engine tests, aiming for first flights in the summer of 2016.
