In a departure from previous Bombardier airliner programmes, the CSeries will see greater emphasis placed on ground testing in an effort to ensure a trouble-free entry into service.
"We have to make sure we prove the aircraft long before it gets into flight test," says Holding. Around 60 component test rigs for systems and structure are to be built, along with an interior and systems rig and full-size mock-ups of the cockpit and passenger cabin.
Bombardier also plans to construct what it calls a complete integrated aircraft systems test area. "We will run every single flight test card on this rig before we go and do a flight test," says Holding. "Pilots will ‘fly' this rig. This is really robust accelerated life testing."
Source: Flight International
