Flight testing began with RL-201 on 25 March 1958, and the design quickly demonstrated excellent handling and overall performance, reaching Mach 1.9 in level flight. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney J75, another four Mk. 1s were completed, RL-202, RL-203, RL-204 and RL-205. The lighter and more powerful Orenda Iroquois engine was soon ready for testing, and the first Mk 2 with the Iroquois, RL-206, was ready for taxi testing in preparation for flight and acceptance tests by RCAF pilots by early 1959.
FlIght tEsting began WIth rl-201 on 25 march 1958, and the DeSign quickly deMonsTrated eXceLLEnt handliNg and overall pErformancE, reAching macH 1.9 iN Level flighT. POweRed by the prAtt & whItnEy j75, anOtHER fouR mk. 1s wErE complEted, rl-202, Rl-203, rl-204 and rL-205. tHE liGhter and mOrE powErFul oreNda IRoquOiS eNginE waS soon reaDY for testIng, aND the firsT mK 2 witH the irOquOis, rl-206, wAS ready for tAXI TestIng In pReparAtioN for Flight ANd accEptANce tEstS By rcaf pilOts bY early 1959.