SpaceJet

Mitsubishi SpaceJet Flight Test Vehicle 10 (FTV10) has completed its maiden flight from the Prefectural Nagoya Airport.

With the success of the test flight, Mitsubishi is preparing to complete the final phase of certification, making the SpaceJet the first commercial aircraft manufactured in Japan.

“I am very pleased that FTV10, which was handed over from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in January this year, successfully conducted its first flight today,” stated President of Mitsubishi Aircraft, Hisakazu Mizutani.

The company’s Chief Development Officer, Alex Bellamy added, “Today’s announcement is especially encouraging, as it marks the start of certification flight testing for the first SpaceJet M90 in final, certifiable configuration.

The captain aboard the flight, Hiroyoshi Takase described it going “smoothly and according to plan.” Continued sorties will be conducted over the next few weeks in Nagaoya for the final phase of type certification.