Bombardier Aerospace have celebrated the successful first flight of its CSeries aircraft, a major milestone in the company’s highly anticipated development program.
The new CSeries aircraft family will utilise advanced structural materials with composites used in the empennage, rear fuselage, nacelle and wings. Bombardier claim the CSeries will offer a 15 per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage.
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The maiden flight marks the start of the CSeries aircraft’s flight test program leading up to the first customer delivery, and was also the first flight for Pratt & Whitney’s new Geared Turbofan PurePower engine as part of an aircraft certification program.
During the flight the CSeries FTV1 reached an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,810 metres) and an air speed of 230 knots (426 km/h). In-flight tests included flap and landing gear retractions and extensions; in-flight manoeuvres that included a simulated landing; and early validation of the flight control system.
Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said;
On behalf of Bombardier’s leadership team, I extend my gratitude to everyone who was involved in making this flight such a great success, the patience, care and quality that has gone into the CSeries aircraft’s development program shone through today as we celebrate this milestone achievement of the first all-new, single-aisle aircraft that will revolutionise the 100- to 149-seat commercial aircraft market – with its outstanding economics, reduced environmental footprint and exceptional flying experience.
As of today, Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 388 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 177 CSeries airliners. Some 15 customers and lessees have joined the CSeries aircraft program.
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