Test aircraft successfully completes San Francisco-London route-proving flight at maximum take-off weight
The new Bombardier Global* 5000, the world’s fastest intercontinental super-large business jet, has set a new standard in its class by flying non-stop from San Francisco to London, in an impressive demonstration of its capabilities.
Bombardier Global 5000 serial number A11-002-9130, a flight test aircraft newly equipped with a complete interior for cabin-related function and reliability tests, departed San Francisco International Airport at 21:15 PDT to arrive at the Farnborough Aerodrome at 14:44 GMT.
In addition to a three-person crew, the test aircraft featured the equivalent of an eight-passenger, 1,600-pound (726-kg) payload, with a maximum takeoff weight of 87,700 pounds (39,780 kg). It climbed directly to 41,000 ft (12,497 m) and flew a total of 4,816 nautical miles (8,919 km) while cruising mostly at Mach 0.85 (562 mph; 904 km/h). The only time it slowed down occurred upon entry into European airspace in order to comply with non-RVSM flight procedures. RVSM approval for the Bombardier Global 5000 is on schedule for later this year, prior to entry into service.
“I am pleased to report that this flight clearly demonstrates the true intercontinental range of the Bombardier Global 5000 with a fully representative payload,” declared Peter Boyd, Senior Captain, Bombardier Aerospace, Business Aircraft, and pilot-in-command on the flight.
“We did not cut any corners with this flight. We purposely selected a challenging route and made absolutely certain that our aircraft weight equalled a typically equipped customer aircraft,” he continued. “This was a well-equipped aircraft with a production interior. In addition, it is outfitted with a number of heavier, optional equipment items and we are carrying heavy flight test equipment in the forward cabin compartment and the luggage bay.”
Such installations include a mid-cabin bulkhead with pocketing door, Satellite TV, several touch screen in-arm monitors, and a second channel of Swift 64 based High Speed Data.
“We clocked a strong average speed, too, and with RVSM available later this year customers will reach their transatlantic destinations even faster with their Global 5000 business jet.”
Aircraft s/n 9130, the second and final aircraft in the Bombardier Global 5000 flight test program, set this impressive mark just two days after it exited Bombardier’s Global completion facility. It conducted four flights in Montréal, relocated to San Francisco on July 14 -- and then flew directly to Farnborough.
Following the Farnborough show and a brief European tour, it will participate in a comprehensive interior certification and reliability test program to validate the integrity and functionality of all cabin systems.
The Bombardier Global 5000 offers an exciting combination – unparalleled speed and unprecedented cabin productivity and comfort – to operators who have had no choice but to compromise on most key attributes such as usable cabin space, interior systems functionality, and high-speed long-range travel.
In addition to the fastest cruise speed in its category, the Bombardier Global 5000 also features the most technologically advanced cabin in corporate aviation. A state-of-the art digital cabin electronic system provides cabin management for three independently controlled temperature zones, links to a full complement of office tools including e-mail, Web browsing, and satellite telephones, as well as superb entertainment options.
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.
*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Bombardier Chalet: 44-1252-380209