Graham Warwick/LAS VEGAS
Bombardier plans to launch the development of its Continental business jet in April next year, provided it has secured sufficient firm orders.
The Canadian manufacturer unveiled its new mid-size business jet at the National Business Aviation Association convention, which opened in Las Vegas,Nevada, on 19 October.
The "super mid-size" Continental will be powered by AlliedSignal's new AS907 turbofans, flat-rated at 6,500lb thrust (29kN) to ISA +15íC. The twinjet will carry eight passengers 5,700km (3,100nm) at Mach 0.8, the company says.
Cabin width is 2.18m, and height above the flat floor 1.8m, giving the Continental the largest cross-section in the super mid-size class, which includes the Galaxy Aerospace Galaxy and Raytheon Hawker Horizon.
Introductory price for the baseline Continental is $13.5 million for the first 30 aircraft, rising to $14.25 million from 30 January, 1999. This makes the aircraft cheaper than its closest rival, the $15.1 million Horizon.
Comparing the Continental with the Horizon, and $16.9 million Galaxy, Bombardier says its aircraft offers a wider cabin, shorter field length and lower operating costs. Other competitors include the Cessna Citation X and Dassault Falcon 50EX, both at around $17 million and with smaller cabins.
Bombardier forecasts a market for some 1,230 super mid-size jets over 10 years: 37% to replace existing aircraft; 35% for growth; and 28% for fractional ownership. The programme is in the joint conceptual design phase, during which Bombardier and potential suppliers will define the aircraft, says product director Claude Chidiac.
Following completion of this phase, these and other suppliers will be invited to bid to become risk-sharing partners in the programme. Bombardier plans to have all partners on board by the launch but the percentage to be taken by risk-sharing partners has yet to be decided, the company says.
Certification is scheduled for 2002, with deliveries planned to begin four years from now. Chidiac says the aircraft is designed for simplicity, reliability and low cost, with an all-metal airframe. The field performance is achieved using a large, but simple wing, he says, adding that the plan is to have unpowered flight controls.
The baseline price includes a standard eight-passenger "double club" interior with full galley and lavatory, flat-panel cockpit displays, auxiliary power unit and thrust reversers.
AlliedSignal is responsible for supplying the integrated powerplant system, including nacelle, thrust reverser, dual-channel electronic control and all engine-mounted accessories. Partners will supply 35% of the engine, with Taiwan's Aerospace Industry Development already selected to provide the fan.
AlliedSignal says more than 50,000 mission cycles will be accumulated on the AS907 before entry into service, in over 10,000h of testing on 11 engines. This will allow on-condition maintenance from service introduction, or initial hot section and compressor section inspection intervals of 3,500h and 7,000h, respectively.
Source: Flight International
