Bombardier CSeries Aircraft First Flight to Take Place in the Coming Weeks

July 24, 2013 Montréal Aerospace, Press Release 
CSeries aircraft’s geared turbofan engines running smoothly and powering key aircraft systems
More time needed to ensure mature systems integration for a productive flight test program

Bombardier Aerospace confirmed today that the integration of the CSeries aircraft’s auxiliary power unit and Pratt & Whitney PurePower Geared Turbofan™ PW1500G engines on the first flight test vehicle (FTV1) is running smoothly, allowing for testing of the aircraft’s key systems. It also confirmed that the latest software upgrades on the aircraft continue to be successfully completed. The CSeries aircraft’s overall integration is progressing well; however, the highly technical last steps are taking more time than initially anticipated to validate the overall systems and ongoing software integration. First flight is expected to occur in the coming weeks.

“Seeing the first CSeries aircraft power up on the tarmac was a thrilling event. We have now entered the ultimate phase of systems integration and validation on the first flight test vehicle as we submit brand new technology to in-depth tests,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“While the process has taken more time than we had expected, we are pleased with the results and are very comfortable taking more time to ensure the required integration is finalized and the CSeries aircraft is cleared for its first flight,” added Mr. Arcamone.

While in its final testing stage in preparation for first flight, FTV1 is undergoing important and complex pre-flight tests, including aircraft in the loop testing (ACIL). During ACIL tests, FTV1 is “flown" on the ground in a simulated flight environment to ensure the first aircraft behaves in the same manner as experienced with the on-the-ground Complete Integrated Aircraft Systems Test Area (CIASTA), also known as “Aircraft 0.” This will be followed by low- and high-speed taxiing.

Activities with Transport Canada to obtain the Flight Test Permit for FTV1 are progressing steadily and the permit is also expected in the coming weeks.