First Flight Anticipated To Come 'Soon

Bombardier's new narrow bodied CSeries aircraft could be seen in the skies for the first time very soon now that high speed taxi runs have been completed. The taxi tests up to 120 knots were run last Friday. Bombardier released a video of the test runs which took place in Mirabel, Quebec.

Reuters reports that the completion of final ground tests and weather remain the biggest factors in determining how soon the CSeries will take to the sky for its first test flight, a step that has already been delayed three times.

High-speed taxi tests include runs of up to 120 knots, and favorable wind conditions and a dry runway are required for the tests. The company said in its website that a few more taxi runs and landing gear tests will be conducted before the first flight attempt.

Industry analysts will watch that flight loosely to see if Bombardier's claims about the efficiency improvements on the CSeries prove true. Competitors will be watching the performance of the aircraft's new generation Pratt & Whitney engines.

Reuters reports that a source not authorized to speak to the media said that the first flight of a CSeries aircraft could come as early as this week.

(Image from YouTube video)

FMI: www.bombardier.com