Canadian manufacturer unveils details of long-expected commercial programme
Bombardier has revealed details of its long-expected plan to develop a new commercial aircraft family dubbed the CSeries, aimed at tackling the 100-plus seat market from 2010. The proposed C$2 billion ($1.53 billion) programme calls for the development of four variants, two short range and two long range. First off the mark will be two 110-seat versions, which will be developed concurrently. The initial set will consist of a 110-seat, 3,330km (1,800nm) -range CSeries 110 and a longer-range CSeries 110LR version capable of flights up to 6,000km.
These will be followed by two stretched 135-passenger versions: a 3,330km-range CSeries 135 and a 5,200km-capable CSeries 135LR. All four variants will use the same 33m (110ft) -span, 110m2 1,200ft2 wing, with fuselage stretches and strengthening in the larger and heavier versions.
Bombardier plans to maintain an "exceptionally" high level of commonality across all versions while offering a consistent 15% lower cash operating cost against current aircraft in this capacity range.
"We're looking for 99% reliability out of the box," says Bombardier New Commercial Aircraft president Gary Scott, who says the CSeries is aimed at a market estimated at 5,800 aircraft over 20 years, worth $250 billion. "There is no in-production aircraft optimised for this market segment," adds Scott, who says board approval for authority to offer will be sought "early next year. Based on that we hope to launch in July 2005, and if that happens we would be looking at entry into service no later than 2010."
Discussions with potential customers, partners and possible suppliers will take place over the next few months, says Scott, who adds that Bombardier will also be "looking for a final assembly site". Although its traditional sites are in the frame, other options outside Canada are being considered. "Interest is high from the Canadian, UK and some US state governments," says Scott.
The single most crucial element to the success of the CSeries will be the development of a new engine in the 21,000-23,000lb-thrust (93.5-102kN) range.
Source: Flight International
