New jet destined to set new speed benchmark, new cabin class
Bombardier Aerospace today presented a full-size interior mockup of the forward cabin section of its new Bombardier Global* 5000 super-large business jet during the Dubai Air Show.
“The spacious cabin we have on display underscores why the Bombardier Global 5000 has tremendous appeal for operators,” said Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft. “It is the most sophisticated interior in its class, providing passengers with more living and working area than any other super-large business jet.”
The Bombardier Global 5000, scheduled to enter service in late 2004, is designed to set the new speed benchmark in its category. It will be able to fly eight passengers and three crew members non-stop from Dubai and other cities in the Middle East to every major destination in Europe, as well as most destinations in Africa, at a speed of Mach 0.88
(581 mph; 935 km/h), the fastest of any aircraft in its class. From the Middle East, the Global 5000 will also be able to fly non-stop to most destinations in Asia and Japan, and to the U.S. East Coast with one stop in Europe, at a speed of Mach 0.85 (561 mph; 903 km/h).
It will connect Dubai to London at Mach 0.87 in 7 hours; 25 minutes faster than the Gulfstream G450, its closest competitor. Similarly, it will fly London – Washington at Mach 0.87 in 7 hours, 35 minutes, at least 30 minutes faster than either the Gulfstream G450 or the Falcon 900EX.
The Bombardier Global 5000 is derived from the pioneering Bombardier Global Express® ultra long-range business jet, which has enjoyed strong sales in the Middle East since entering corporate service in 1999. “Bombardier expects a similar positive response to this new aircraft,” said Mr. Edwards. “Its excellent performance at very hot temperatures is a feature that our customers in the Middle East have been asking for. The Bombardier Global 5000 will also reach the market with unequaled quality and reliability for a new aircraft,” he said.
New periphery, more natural light
The cabin mockup depicts a four-seat, single club production configuration outfitted with Bombardier’s preferred completion package. It features four next-generation seats with contoured back and arm rests incorporating new cushion designs to further enhance comfort on long flights. It also includes a completely redesigned cabin periphery to provide passengers with a greater sense of intimacy. New side-ledges and tables provide extended work surface areas and enlarged window overlays offer passengers 15 to 40 per cent more natural light than previous designs.
Bombardier Global 5000 passengers will also enjoy a superior level of cabin ambiance achieved with next-generation light emitting diode technology that disperses light in hues of red, green and blue, complete with optional mood lighting. In addition, the aircraft will be equipped with a revolutionary Airshow 21 cabin electronic systems to deliver the same high-caliber working capabilities business travelers enjoy on the ground.
Airshow 21 is Ethernet based, a first in corporate aviation, and enables passengers to control temperature, lighting and entertainment systems from anywhere in the cabin. It also provides links to a full complement of office tools, from e-mail and web browsing to satellite telephones, printer/fax, as well as superb entertainment options.
Another noteworthy feature is an integrated systems diagnostic tool connected to all cabin related systems to facilitate maintenance and troubleshooting – a first in corporate aviation.
Flight test program
A comprehensive ground and flight test program for the Bombardier Global 5000 continues to move forward. Bombardier Global 5000 s/n 9127 has comfortably been taken to its certification ceiling of 51,000 feet (15,545 m), and testing of all systems, including auto-pilot, has been successfully completed. As of Nov. 21st, the aircraft had completed 75 per cent of its flight test program, accumulating over 230 hours during some 80 flights. Transport Canada has recently completed its initial evaluation to include systems testing and CAT II.
First flight of Bombardier Global 5000 s/n 9130, the second and final aircraft in the flight test program, is scheduled to occur shortly. Thereafter, it will be equipped with a full production interior at the Bombardier Montreal Completion Centre before entering flight testing for environmental control system validation, and for interior function and reliability testing.
Type certification to stringent regulations from Transport Canada (TC), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) is on target for the first quarter of 2004. The Bombardier Global 5000 will enter service later that year.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative aviation products and provides services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet* and Bombardier Skyjet* business aircraft programs, technical services, and aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company, is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It also provides financial services and asset management in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some 75,000 people and manufacturing facilities in 25 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003 stood at $23.7 billion Cdn. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
® Registered trademark(s) of Bombardier Inc.
* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Dubai Chalet: 971-4-2866150
Mobile : 971-50-450-2723