Flight test program “meeting or exceeding all expectations”
The new Bombardier Global* 5000 super-large business jet arrived at Orlando Executive Airport today for its first-ever appearance at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
Craig Tylski, project pilot, Gary Bruce, senior test pilot, and Scott Runyan, flight test engineer, were greeted by Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft, and Robert Duffield, director, Global 5000 program, Bombardier Business Aircraft along with members of the media. The aircraft then joined Bombardier’s static display for the duration of the convention.
“We are delighted to bring the Bombardier Global 5000 to this important show,” commented Mr. Edwards. “The Bombardier Global 5000 redefines its category by offering the largest, most comfortable cabin, along with class-leading performance and versatility – attributes derived from the pioneering Bombardier Global Express*.”
Last June, the Bombardier Global 5000 completed its inaugural trans-Atlantic flight en route to its debut appearance at the Paris Air Show, underscoring its capabilities for non-stop trans-Atlantic travel. The aircraft achieved its first flight on March 7, 2003 at Bombardier’s Toronto facility. Since arriving at Bombardier’s flight test center in Wichita, it “has been meeting or exceeding all expectations,” said Mr. Duffield. “The aircraft has covered all corners of the flight envelope.”
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 mid-September, the aircraft had crossed the halfway mark in its flight test program, accumulating over 160 hours during 58 flights. Transport Canada has recently completed their initial evaluation of the aircraft to include all systems testing and CAT II certification.
First flight of Bombardier Global 5000 s/n 9130, the second and final aircraft in the flight test program, is scheduled to take place this December. Thereafter, it will be equipped with a full production interior at Bombardier’s Montreal completion center before entering flight testing for environmental control system validation, and for interior function and reliability testing.
Type certification of the Bombardier Global 5000 to stringent regulations from Transport Canada, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) is on target for the first quarter of 2004. Aircraft s/n 9130 is on schedule to enter service as a corporate demonstrator in the fourth quarter of 2004.
Best-in-class cabin
The Bombardier Global 5000 combines superior performance standards with the most comfortable and technologically advanced cabin currently available in its category. The cabin represents the latest advancements in ergonomics, productivity and ambiance. This includes newly designed seats complete with contoured back and arm rests for even support and exceptional comfort. Passengers will rely on a state-of-the-art cabin electronic system to provide 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. Finally, passengers will appreciate the cabin’s superior ambiance. This combines the use of the latest advancements in Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lighting technology with redesigned window that provide a 15- to 40-per cent increase in natural lighting over previous designs.
A high-speed intercontinental business jet, the Bombardier Global 5000 is capable of flying non-stop from Continental Europe to central North America at Mach 0.85 (562 mph; 904 km/h) with eight passengers and a crew of three. Designed to execute transcontinental missions at a brisk Mach 0.89 (590 mph; 950 km/h) – faster than any competing jet – it will fly executives and government leaders in and out of airfields closer to their point of business than any widebody business jet, thanks to its best-in-class field performance. City-pairs linked non-stop at Mach 0.85 by the aircraft include New York-Sao Paulo, Paris-Chicago, London-Dallas, and Tokyo-Sydney.
Based on the proven platform of the Bombardier Global Express ultra long-range business jet, the Bombardier Global 5000 offers an unprecedented level of productivity and flexibility to operators through aircraft commonality. Flight departments operating both aircraft will benefit from common type ratings for pilots and maintenance technicians, and a common spare parts pool. They will also enjoy a greater degree of operations flexibility.
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).
* Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Information:
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Aerospace
Cell : (514) 918-9352