Bombardier was last week expected to start flight testing the Global 5000, a year after launching development of the super-large business jet. The aircraft, the first derivative of the ultra-long-range Global Express, is on track for certification in the first quarter of 2004 and entry into service in the fourth quarter of next year.
After around 20h of initial flying from Bombardier's Toronto plant, the first Global 5000 will move to Wichita, Kansas, for a "short but intensive" flight-test programme, says product director Marc Bouliane. The second aircraft will fly in the second quarter, but will move to Bombardier's Montreal completion centre after initial flight tests.
The second Global 5000 will be used for certification testing of the interior systems. "The second aircraft's role is different," says Bouliane. Green aircraft and the interior will be developed at the same time. "Typically you get certification, then do the interior. We are treating the interior systems the same way we treat the green aircraft."
After installation of a complete production-representative interior, the second Global 5000 will re-enter flight testing at the end of 2003, or early in 2004. Following type certification, the aircraft will be used as a company demonstrator for six months before the first customer aircraft enters service, Bouliane says.
The aircraft is derived from the Global Express, with a shorter fuselage and reduced fuel capacity, and most systems are the same, but Bombardier has made significant changes based on experience with the larger aircraft. Integrators have been appointed for the complete cabin electronics, lighting, water and waste systems, to facilitate completion and improve reliability.
Rig testing is under way on the Goodrich recirculating water system and Envirovac vacuum toilets.
Testing is about to begin on the Rockwell Collins Airshow 21 cabin electronics system (CES). "Cabin management systems today are not particularly robust or reliable, and they are one of the most visible aspects of the aircraft," says Bouliane. "This is a highly reliable system, with multiple levels of redundancy."
The CES includes a local-area network, servers and communications links, and a dedicated maintenance information system.
Source: Flight International
