We will swap out any non-flight-rated items that were installed during the build process, as well as implement upgrades and changes that have come out of the ground test phase, as well as replace any defective equipment. This should be a relatively short phase, but it will depend on the amount of equipment deemed necessary for replacement.

With the aircraft on jacks, small excitation forces will be applied to the airframe. Measurements of the structural response for a range of excitation frequencies will be made using accelerometers.

On MSN001 the extend/retract test was initially carried out using an external hydraulic supply, and tests with onboard supply are due to begin on 22 November.

This is due to start next month.