Bombardier has started flight testing the fourth Continental super mid-size business jet, and says it is "on track" for certification in the third quarter. The Continental was first flown in August, and flight testing has passed the 340h mark in a five-aircraft, 1,500h programme.
The fourth Continental, aircraft 20004, is the first equipped with a complete interior. Its maiden flight from Bombardier's Wichita, Kansas, test centre on 5 April verified the flight-test procedure to be used for delivering production aircraft to customers, the company says. Deliveries are planned to begin soon after certification.
The first aircraft is being used for performance and handling tests, the second to evaluate aircraft systems and operability of the Honeywell AS907 engines, and the third to test the Rockwell Collins avionics and Honeywell auxiliary power unit. Aircraft 20004 will be used for cold- and hot-weather testing; noise and smoke measurements; evaluation of the cabin environment; and climb, cruise and descent-performance testing.
Source: Flight International
