Further Validates Aerodynamic Design And Support Fuel
Efficiency Projections
Bombardier Aerospace has confirmed that final results of a
three-phase wind tunnel test program provided further validation of
the CSeries aircraft's aerodynamic design. They also support design
predictions that the CSeries aircraft will deliver a step-change in
fuel efficiency. The wind tunnel tests also contributed to the
achievement of optimal integration of Pratt & Whitney's ultra
high-bypass ratio (12:1) PurePower PW1500G engine.
Initiated more than five years ago, during the early stages of
the CSeries aircraft's conceptual design, the wind tunnel test
program progressed through the aircraft's subsequent definition and
detailed design phases. Validation of the CSeries aircraft's
aerodynamic design included extensive use of state-of-the-art
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), made possible through the use
of contemporary super-computers that are significantly more capable
- and 100,000 times faster - than computers available when the
aircraft currently serving the 100- to 149-seat market were
designed. These tools permitted the minimization of interference
drag and also facilitated the design of the engine nacelle and
thrust reverser.
To simulate actual flying conditions, the wind tunnel tests were
conducted with over 20 sophisticated scale models over more than
4,500 testing hours at facilities in Canada, France, Germany, the
Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
"Simulated conditions during the wind tunnel tests closely
correlate to real world flying conditions and the resulting data
were used to improve and validate final CSeries aircraft design and
systems," said David Tidd, Vice President, CSeries Integrated
Product Development, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "This latest
achievement for the CSeries aircraft represents the most extensive
and complex wind tunnel testing that Bombardier has ever conducted;
it marks another key advance in the jetliner's development."
The scale models of the CSeries jetliner used in the testing
were equipped with precise instrumentation to measure air flow,
including as many as 700 pressure-sensitive ports over the wings,
fuselage and tail. The models included moving parts, such as wing
flaps and leading edge slats, which could be repositioned to
reflect actual flying events. Some models were equipped with
miniature air-driven turbine engines to gauge the air flow
interference with the aircraft wings. The largest of the models, at
13.7 per cent scale, had a wingspan of approximately 4.5 metres (15
feet).
Using the scale models and the environmental conditions possible
in the wind tunnels, Bombardier engineers were able to simulate the
aerodynamics of the CSeries aircraft in various flight scenarios
such as landing, take-off and cruising at high altitudes.
Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 133 CSeries
aircraft, including 61 CS100 and 72 CS300 aircraft. The CSeries
aircraft program has also booked options and purchase rights for an
additional 129 aircraft.