Next-Gen 605 Executes Flawless First Flight
Bombardier's
next-generation Challenger 605 widebody business jet successfully
completed its first flight, Sunday, marking a significant program
milestone and next major step in the evolution of the
industry-leading Challenger business jet family. The three-hour,
23-minute flight occurred on schedule as originally announced at
the official launch in November 2005.
Challenger 605 aircraft serial number 5701 departed from
Bombardier's Montreal-Trudeau International Airport facility under
clear conditions at 12:40 p.m. and returned at 16:03 p.m. EST. It
reached a maximum first flight altitude of 41,000 feet, and a
maximum true airspeed of 420 knots (483 mph). Loaded with 12,500
pounds of fuel, takeoff weight for the first flight was 38,734
pounds. The flight was conducted as a stage climb to 41,000
feet.
"It was a great flight. We spent over three hours in the air and
the aircraft performed superbly," commented captain Frank
Magnusson, a 20-year career pilot joined by co-pilot Jacques
Thibaudeau and project flight test engineer Mick Mansfield. "The
new flight deck is fantastic. Pilots will truly appreciate the
large LCD screens, their multi-function flexibility and the
immediate access to critical flight information," said Mr.
Magnusson.
The milestone flight was dedicated to testing basic system
functionality and assessing the handling and flying qualities of
the aircraft. The first series of tests occurred in an initial
altitude block of 5,000 to 15,000 feet, and included handling
qualities, flight control checks and avionics testing. The aircraft
then climbed to 30,000 feet for a series of engine, pressurization
and environmental control checks. At its maximum first flight
altitude of 41,000 feet, basic engine and handling characteristics
were again tested and met all engineering expectations.
Aircraft On Schedule For Entry Into Service
Following several flights in Montreal, the aircraft will
relocate to Bombardier's Flight Test Center in Wichita, Kansas, for
a 200-hour flight test and certification program. Transport Canada
certification is expected in the fourth quarter of 2006, and the
aircraft is scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of
2007.
The Challenger 605 aircraft features the Rockwell Collins Pro
Line 21 avionics suite, which is fully configurable and offers
pilots instant, intuitive access to critical flight information.
The integrated avionics package includes four 10 by 12-inch
vertically aligned next generation LCD screens, increasing the
display area by 55 per cent over the current flight deck.
The aircraft also includes Rockwell Collins' Integrated Flight
Information System (IFIS) as standard equipment. The advanced
features of this IFIS enables electronic charts, allowing pilots to
call up approach plates, airport diagrams and procedures, such as
standard instrument departures and standard terminal arrival
routes, via customizable multi-function displays. The flight deck
is also equipped with a co-pilot side display touch screen, which
enables a second copy of electronic charts for "paperless"
electronic chart operations