During mid-2001, Fairchild Dornier commenced construction of the first prototype, the majority of structural assemblies having been delivered by September 2001. During December 2001, Fairchild Dornier reportedly completed the first fuselage. By January 2002, the first prototype was sufficiently complete to begin taxiing on its own landing gear. During March 2002, the official roll out of "TAC 01" (Test Aircraft 01) - the first prototype - occurred, at which point it was presented to the public for the first time. That same month, TAC 03 was transported to IABG in Ottobrunn for structural testing.