Meets All Expectations On Demanding Maiden Flight
Bombardier’s
new-generation Global Express XRS business jet has successfully
completed a rigorous 4-hour, 4-minute first flight, marking a
significant milestone for the much-anticipated intercontinental
aircraft. The flight occurred Jan. 16, according to the program
schedule established at official launch in October 2003. The first
Certificate of Airworthiness is expected shortly and customer
deliveries of completed aircraft are on schedule to begin in the
first quarter of 2006.
The Bombardier Global Express XRS business jet took off from
Bombardier’s Downsview, Ontario facility under high overcast
conditions, at 9:55 a.m. EST and returned at 1:59 p.m. EST. It
reached a maximum first flight altitude of 47,000 feet, and a
maximum true airspeed of 518 knots.
The flight was dedicated to testing basic system functionality
and assessing aircraft handling and flying qualities. “Even
with its increased fuel load, it’s clear the Global Express
XRS displays all the same extraordinary handling capabilities and
aerodynamic performance of a Global Express – the best
business jet in the world to fly,” noted Capt. Manny
Garyfalakis, manager, Bombardier flight operations, a 29-year
career pilot who guided the aircraft on its first flight.
Loaded with 25,000 pounds of fuel, takeoff weight for the first
flight was 74,000 pounds. The flight was conducted as a stage climb
to 47,000 feet.
The first tests took place in an initial altitude block of
12,000-16,000 feet, and included stall system checks and lateral
stability testing.
The aircraft then climbed to 31,000 feet for a series of engine,
pressurization and environmental control checks. It later flew to
41,000 feet to perform similar testing. Throughout all these tests,
the aircraft performed as expected. At its maximum first flight
altitude, basic engine and handling characteristics were again
tested and met engineering expectations.
Performance Enhancements
The Bombardier Global Express XRS – the next evolution of
the pioneering Bombardier Global Express – delivers the best
speed/range combination in the ultra long-range category. Featuring
a maximum fuel weight of 44,975 pounds, it can fly 6,150 nautical
miles non-stop at Mach 0.85 under certain conditions.
Using a new zero flaps takeoff capability, Bombardier Global
Express XRS operators will have the option to depart from runways
at higher temperatures and higher altitudes, reaching more cities
from more airports around the world.
The aircraft also includes the Bombardier Enhanced Vision System
(BEVS) as standard equipment, featuring the only second-generation
forward-looking infrared sensor among ultra long-range jets. The
BEVS system provides pilots with superior overall performance in
low-visibility conditions.
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