Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. said it completed the maiden flight of Flight Test Vehicle 10 (FTV10), the first SpaceJet M90 in final, certifiable baseline configuration.

Pilots conducted basic aircraft performance tests in normal operating conditions over the Pacific Ocean. After roughly two hours of flight, the aircraft returned to its departure airport.

The company plans to use the aircraft as a launching pad for Japan's commercial aviation industry. The plane is designed to meet expected global demand for regional jets. Credit: Mitsubishi AircraftThe company said in a statement it is now ready to enter the final phase of certification flight testing for the SpaceJet M90, the first commercial jet manufactured in Japan.

The company plans to use the aircraft as a launching pad for Japan's commercial aviation industry. The plane is designed to meet expected global demand for regional jets.

The Mitsubishi SpaceJet, formerly known as the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, is a twin-engine regional jet aircraft seating 70 to 90 passengers. It is manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp., a partnership between MHI and Toyota Motor Corp. with design assistance from Subaru Corp., itself an aerospace manufacturer.

In coming weeks Mitsubishi Aircraft plans to continue flight tests on FTV10 in Japan, as well as prepare for the ferry flight to the company's Moses Lake Flight Test Center in the state of Washington to join the rest of the test fleet for the final phase of type certification flight test.

Powerplant test

In a related development, the company said in late February that it completed its maiden flight with the first Pratt & Whitney GTF PW1200G engine assembled in Japan. The flight was completed at the company’s test center and was performed by the company’s Flight Test Aircraft 1.

The PW1200G engine uses Pratt & Whitney's GTF (Geared Turbofan) technology that rotates the low-pressure turbine at high speeds, while reducing noise by rotating the fan at low speeds.

Last June, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced plans to buy Bombardier's regional jet program for $550 million, end production of the CRJ line of aircraft and expand the development, production, sales and support of the SpaceJet brand.