Bombardier has formally launched development of the Global 5000 super-large business jet, a shorter-fuselage derivative of the ultra-long-range Global Express. Unveiled in October, the aircraft is intended to compete head-on with the Gulfstream IV-SP in the large-cabin market, and will be the company's 12th new aircraft in 12 years.
The Canadian manufacturer says the Global 5000 has generated a "positive market reaction" since its unveiling, resulting in letters of intent for 15 aircraft. First flight is set for the first quarter of 2003, leading to Canadian, US and European certification a year later. The aircraft is due to enter service at the end of 2004.
The Global 5000 uses the GlobalExpress's Mitsubishi-supplied wing and Rolls-Royce BR710 engines. Fuselage length is trimmed 810mm (32in) and range reduced by removing the tail tank and limiting wing fuel. Design range is an intercontinental 8,890km (4,800nm) at Mach 0.85 and a transcontinental 6,850km at M0.88. This compares with the Global Express's 12,000km at M0.8 and 11,100km at M0.85.
Bombardier is finalising agreements with other risk-sharing partners and expects its share of the development cost to be only C$150 million ($93 million) (Flight International, 30 October - 5 November). Launch price is just under $33 million for a typically equipped aircraft, including satellite communications and datalink. The company forecasts a market for 750 super-large business jets over 10 years.
Initial customers include GlobalExpress operators, which Bombardier expects will realise significant benefits from fleet and systems commonality. Other customers signing letters of intent include operators of existing large jets, including the Gulfstream IV and Dassault Falcon 900.
Source: Flight International
