The Global 7000 aircraft
Bombardier has successfully flown its fifth and final test vehicle in the Global 7000 flight test program.
FTV5, named The Masterpiece by Bombardier, will validate the tests completed to date ahead of the Global 7000’s expected entry-into-service during July and December this year.
The Global 7000 flight test program is progressing to plan. Recent milestones include its first international deployment and a demonstration of the aircraft’s capability in crosswinds at high-altitude airfields and in all-weather conditions.
The Global 7000 business jet completed its first flight on November 4, 2016. François Caza, vice president, product development and chief engineer, aerospace, said, “With over 1,300 hours of rigorous flight testing completed, the results speak to the aircraft’s maturity, reliability and strong performance.
“In addition to flight testing, we continue to successfully progress our ground test program and have now met the full airframe fatigue test milestone as required by authorities for entry-into-service. We will continue to advance the Global 7000 test program to ensure the aircraft meets or exceeds the highest level of safety.”
Michel Ouellette, senior vice president of the Global 7000 and Global 8000 programs, said, “We are proud to have all five Global 7000 test vehicles in flight testing – it’s a testament to the determination and skill of our team. It’s a very exciting time for the program and the team as we enter the certification phase.”
Bombardier showed off the Global 7000 program’s fourth flight test vehicle, dubbed The Architect, in October 2017, at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The aircraft has a new transonic wing design that optimizes speed, range and control, and ensures provides a smoother ride than other business jets, according to Bombardier.
The aircraft is powered by the new General Electric Passport 20 16,500 lb-ft (73kN) thrust engine with reduced NOx emissions and 8% better fuel efficiency than the Global Express XRS, allowing a Mach 0.90 high-speed cruise.
It also features living spaces and a full-sized crew suite, with a multi-functional kitchen, a cabin entertainment system, and internet connectivity via Ka-band.
January 31, 2018
