Bombardier’s improved Global Express XRS ultra-long-range business jet has entered service ahead of schedule, with the first two aircraft delivered in late November and early December.
European launch customer Transneft, a Moscow-based oil pipeline operator, accepted the second Global Express XRS on 6 December. When the aircraft was launched on October 2003, deliveries were scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2006.
Replacing the original Global Express in production, the XRS has additional fuel capacity, improved cabin pressurisation and Bombardier’s enhanced vision system fitted as standard. Range is increased to 11,390km (6,150nm) at Mach 0.85 and 10,090km at M0.87. Airfield performance is also improved.
Cabin altitude is reduced to 4,500ft (1,370m) at 45,000ft and 5,680ft at the XRS’s 51,000ft maximum operating altitude. Two cabin windows have been added, lighting upgraded to light-emitting diode technology, and the interior layout revised to increase usable space.
Source: Flight International
