Aircraft powers to finish line with production interior and against 26-knot headwinds
Stretching its long legs on a record-setting flight, the Bombardier Global 5000 yesterday demonstrated its high-speed Mach 0.85 capability by flying 4,597 nautical miles (8,513 km) non-stop between Dublin and Las Vegas in 9 hours, 55 minutes.
The aircraft set the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) sanctioned record with a three-person crew, a 1,600-pound (726 kg) representative load equal to eight passengers, as well as a completed interior. It flew the east-to-west route against fierce headwinds and landed with adequate reserves.
"The aircraft departed Dublin at 07:31 GMT and climbed directly to 43,000 feet, then to 47,000 feet" reported Peter Boyd, senior captain, Bombardier Business Aircraft, and pilot-in-command on the flight. "Record-setting flights typically fly with tailwinds, so today's westbound flight firmly sets this aircraft apart from its competitors."
This latest accomplishment for the Bombardier Global 5000 follows one in mid-July when the aircraft flew 4,816 nautical miles (8,919 km) non-stop with a representative load at mostly Mach 0.85 (562 mph; 904 km/h) between San Francisco and London.
The record flight is further proof that the intercontinental business jet meets the performance objectives set at its launch in February 2002. They include: a 4,800 nautical mile range (8,889 km) maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.89; maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 87,700 pounds (39,780 kg); and balanced field length at MTOW (SL, ISA) of 5,000 feet (1,524 m).
The Bombardier Global 5000 business jet's category-leading speed is most evident on intercontinental flights, where, compared to other jets in its class, it knocks a full hour off long-distance routes such as New York-São Paulo, Tokyo-Sydney, Chicago-Frankfurt, and San Francisco-Lima. At Mach 0.89, the aircraft is even faster on popular business routes such as Washington, D.C.-London and New York-Paris.
"With its unmatched speed and range combination, the Bombardier Global 5000 is redefining the super-large segment," said Capt. Boyd, adding that the airplane's interior is making its debut at NBAA 2004.
The aircraft’s well-appointed interior features a number of optional equipment items including a mid-cabin bulkhead with pocketing door, satellite TV, and several touch screen in-arm monitors.
Mr. Boyd also noted that the Bombardier Global 5000 on the tarmac today at McCarran International Airport features the industry-leading Airshow 21 Cabin Electronic System (CES) from Rockwell Collins. Designed around an all-digital backbone, the integrated architecture of the CES ties together all cockpit and cabin functions.
Airshow 21 allows Bombardier Global 5000 passengers and crew to control virtually all aspects of the cabin environment, while offering the latest in high-speed connectivity for data, communications, entertainment and cabin management. The Bombardier Global 5000 is the first application in business aviation for the Ethernet-based Airshow 21.
The Bombardier Global 5000 is on schedule to enter into service in January 2005. This March, the aircraft earned its Transport Canada type approval. European Aviation Safety Association type certification came this summer on July 15 and U.S. type approval from the Federal Aviation Administration is expected very soon.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004 were $15.5 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
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For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, media relations
Cell: 514-855-8149
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com
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