Bombardier Completes Ground Vibration Tests And Final Software Upgrades, Safety Of Flight Statements From All Suppliers Obtained

The first flight of Bombardier's CSeries aircraft is drawing closer, as the company announced Wednesday that ground vibration tests, as well as software upgrades and corresponding tests, have been completed on the first CSeries aircraft - Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1). In addition, Safety of Flight (SOF) statements from all suppliers have been obtained and Bombardier's Flight Test Centre has applied to Transport Canada for the FTV1 Flight Test Permit.

But a report from Reuters indicates that the planemaker has again pushed back the first flight, which it now says is planned for the end of July. The Company said late Wednesday afternoon that the additional time will allow for additional software upgrades.

During the final testing stage in preparation for first flight, FTV1 will conduct power runs, as well as low and high speed taxiing. Based on the latest program review, the first flight will occur by the end of July 2013. In order to enhance the effectiveness of the flight program, Bombardier extended the timeline slightly to allow for additional software upgrades for improved system maturity and functionality.

Company officials remain upbeat. "Only five years after launching the CSeries airliner, we're approaching our maiden flight - a historic moment for Bombardier and a game-changing moment for the industry," Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said in a Wednesday news release. "The success of the CSeries aircraft program so far is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our partners, suppliers and in-house teams; we have also benefitted greatly from the involvement of our customers."

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, Bombardier projects that the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15 per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20 percent fuel burn advantage. With the extra capacity seating option, the CS300 aircraft's productivity further improves, offering airlines an average of four per cent additional cash operating cost advantage per seat.

The CSeries aircraft's clean-sheet design is ensuring that the aircraft will achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm.

The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs. lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

To date, Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 388 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 177 CSeries airliners.

Some analysts say that any further delays could hurt Bombardier's reputation, particularly if the flight test program drags on more than the year projected by the company. Bombardier hopes the CSeries will offer competition to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 lines, both of which saw a large number of orders at the recent Paris Air Show.

(Images provided by Bombardier)

FMI: www.bombardier.com