Aircraft Reached FL130 And 180 Knots On Initial Flight

Bombardier has confirmed that following receipt of Transport Canada’s Flight Test Permit in December 2013, the CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 2 (FTV2) took to the skies on January 3, 2014 for its maiden flight under clear skies.

The first flight of FTV2 was conducted under the command of Captain Andris ‘Andy’ Litavniks, Flight Test Pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Centre. Capt. Litavniks was assisted by his colleagues William ‘Muz’ Colquhoun and Ken Slaughter in the roles of First Officer and Flight Test Engineer, respectively. During its approximate 2.15 hour flight, FTV2 reached an altitude of 13,000 feet and an air speed of 180 knots.
 
“We are thrilled with FTV2’s smooth and seamless first flight,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President and General Manager, CSeries Program. “While FTV1 is the initial test vehicle validating the flight envelope, FTV2 testing will complement the existing knowledge we have gained from FTV1 – all of which will ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the data collected.

"Specifically, we will look to FTV2 to test the aircraft systems and its redundancies, including the brand-new avionics suite, in addition to measuring the aircraft’s performance. The ongoing momentum of the CSeries flight test program has been an energizing experience for the team, and we are eager to apply the knowledge gained from FTV1 and FTV2 to the following flight test vehicles, which will also take flight this new year.”

(FTV2 image provided by Bombardier)

FMI: www.bombardier.com