F & R Testing Begins As Type Approval Draws Closer

The fifth aircraft in Bombardier Aerospace’s Challenger 300™ certification program, equipped with a fully functional interior, successfully completed its first flight earlier this month in Wichita (KS).

Aircraft S/N 20-005 will now begin a comprehensive functional and reliability (F&R) test program. This fifth aircraft – featuring the most advanced production interior in any corporate jet F&R test program – will validate the integrity and functionality of all cabin systems including water and waste management, lighting, environmental controls, cabin electronics and entertainment systems and ergonomics.

It is expected to complete F&R testing this spring. The interior certification is scheduled to follow aircraft type approval, clearing the way for the first group of the super-midsize business jets to enter service later this year.

“F&R testing overlaps with the very end of the flight test and ground test programs,” said Dave Schenck, vice-president of development aircraft programs. “Bombardier’s significant investments in the advanced planning of this aircraft’s interior are now paying off; as we are able to simultaneously build aircraft and conduct F&R testing.

“Our objective – and we are on target with this – is to develop a production interior alongside a production aircraft. This way, both traditional operators and Flexjet fractional owners will immediately benefit from a mature aircraft offering superior value, reliability and the most functional, best-equipped cabin in its class,” said Schenck.

Flight Details

Featuring all of the latest inputs from both the airframe certification and the interior completions programs, s/n 20-005 was passed on to flight test for an intensive set of inspections and ground runs. Ready for flight in the late afternoon, the aircraft took off from the Bombardier Learjet facilities at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport at 16:56 for a one hour and 15 minute flight, returning only as the sun set.

The Bombardier flight test crew declared the flight uneventful, a trend that started with the first test aircraft and has continued since. Bombardier test pilot Tom Maurer reported that the aircraft performed as expected and that testing of the systems was completed to the production standard. Production test pilot Mike Morris stated, “in my six years of flight testing aircraft off the production line, this is the cleanest first flight I’ve ever had, with any production aircraft. Whether up front in the cockpit or a passenger in the back, this is a real user-friendly jet, complete with an interior that offer a new standard in cabin comfort and reliability.”

“Customers are going to like this aircraft,” Maurer predicted. Maurer also piloted the first flight of the fourth test aircraft.

Interior Details

Bombardier’s completion specialists in Tucson have worked with its key supplier, DeCrane, to develop, design and build an interior that would set the standard in the super-midsize class. Aircraft #20-005 features a single-compartment, optional divan configuration capable of seating eight passengers. A well-equipped galley is located fore and a large lavatory is located aft of the seating area. The cabin measures 28 feet, six inches (8.7 m) from the cockpit divider to the pressure bulkhead. It offers seven feet, two inches (2.2 m) of widebody comfort and six feet, one inch (1.85 m) in cabin height. Total useable cabin volume is 860 cubic feet (25.8 m3).

The eight-passenger main compartment is completed in a soft palette of earth hues.
The carpet is a three-color blend of brown wool yarns. Cabinetry is finished in a warm, medium-toned veneer and the leather seats are a sandy tan. The divan is covered in a smooth chenille fabric with a subtle tone-on-tone pattern. With the light oyster headliner, these materials create a bright, warm and inviting cabin. All the club seats feature workstations, with folding, pull-out tables and 120V outlets for computer hook-up.

The cabin electronics system features a CD/DVD player and audio system, two 18” monitors mounted in the cabin featuring Airshow 400, as well as a four-channel SATCOM system with two handsets and fax/data ports for voice/data communications.

Forward of the main cabin, the galley offers a complete refreshment/service area featuring a microwave oven, a coffee-maker, an ice drawer with overboard drain, two cup dispensers, and two heated liquid containers. In addition, various compartments offer additional storage space, as well as a lighted workspace area.

A fully functional lavatory and luggage storage is located aft of the main compartment.
The lavatory features a dramatic acrylic-fronted basin with modern faucet and soap dispenser fixtures beneath a backlit circular mirror. The vanity cabinet provides ample storage room for linens and accessories. Adjacent to the lavatory is a large luggage compartment offering 106 cubic feet (31.8 m3) of total usable area – all located before the pressure bulkhead, offering passengers in-flight access to their luggage.

The Bombardier Challenger 300 – formerly known as the Bombardier Continental – provides a cost-effective step-up for current light jet operators as well as for operators constrained by their current midsize aircraft. Bombardier says the Challenger 300 offers true transcontinental range and superior long-range cruise speed, combined with a full eight-passenger and operating costs equivalent to or better than current midsize jets.

FMI: www.bombardier.com