Bombardier announced today that its all-new CS100 aircraft has successfully completed over 90 per cent of the certification program and ...
Bombardier announced today that its all-new CS100 aircraft has successfully completed over 90 per cent of the certification program and is now in the final stage of flight testing that will include a few weeks of function and reliability tests.
Company also confirmed that production ramp-up is underway, including the first aircraft for launch operator, SWISS.
Bombardier is on track to certify the CS100 by the end of 2015, followed by service entry with SWISS Airline in the first half of 2016,
Over the next few weeks, a CS100 will operate on a commercial airline-type schedule from key airports in North America. This function and reliability testing will include airfield performance; landings and airport turnarounds; and on-ground operations.
“The function and reliability test flights, which will be conducted using typical airline flight routings and operational procedures, will include about 15 representative airports in Canada and 20 in the United States,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
In the last month, Bombardier announced it had completed all noise performance testing and data confirms it is the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class.
Earlier this year, Bombardier announced that the C Series aircraft’s maximum range is confirmed to be up to 3,300 NM (6,112 km), some 350 NM (648 km) more than originally targeted. The aircraft is delivering more than a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage compared to in-production aircraft, and a greater than 10 per cent advantage compared to re-engined aircraft.
This means that one C Series aircraft could reduce an operator’s carbon emissions by up to 6,000 tons each year. The C Series will also emit 50 per cent fewer NOX emissions than the CAEP 6 NOX emission standards.
The CS100 and the larger CS300 aircraft have over 95 per cent parts commonality, as well as the same type rating targets the 100- to 150-seat market segment. Both are powered by the Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1500G engine geared turbofan engine.
Bombardier have received order and commitments for 603 C Series aircraft, which include firm orders for 243.
Bombardier has been in talks with Airbus, for a possible tie up to fund the struggling CSeries program, in return for a controlling stake in the program. The talks which failed, raised questions about Bombardiers ability to continue the program.
The CSeries program failed to achieve Bombardier's 300 firm order target before service entry, jeopardizing the Canadian plane maker's attempt to challenge the duopoly of Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737.
