CSeries Aircraft To Commence A Series Of High-Speed Taxi Runs To Clear The Aircraft For First Flight

Bombardier's first CSeries aircraft - Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1) - has obtained Transport Canada's Flight Test Permit, thereby clearing the way for its maiden flight, expected in the coming weeks. This follows a series of pre-flight tests including low-speed taxi runs. FTV1 will now proceed with high-speed taxi runs whereby the aircraft simulates speeds for flight take-off.

"Five years in the making and today, following receipt of Transport Canada's flight test permit, we are very close to the CSeries airliner's first flight - a historic moment for Bombardier and a game-changing moment for the industry," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The CSeries aircraft teams have spent the last few weeks completing rigorous exercises to ensure the integrity and maturity of the aircraft are absolutely in check with the flight crew's requirements. Pending optimal weather, the CSeries aircraft will soon take to the skies."

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 says the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15(i) per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20 per cent 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.

As of June 30, 2013, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 388 CSeries aircraft that included firm orders for 177 CSeries airliners.

(Bombardier CSeries image from file)

FMI: www.cseriesfirstflight.bombardier.com