All-New Aircraft Targeted For First Deliveries In 2013

Testing of the Bombardier CSeries aircraft’s composite demonstrator wing is under way, representing another significant milestone in the development of the all-new aircraft due to enter service in 2013.  The testing is taking place at Bombardier’s Belfast facility which is responsible for the design, development and manufacture of the advanced composite wings for the CSeries aircraft.  The Belfast operation has successfully assembled a full-scale, three-quarter span pre-production demonstrator wing using its unique Resin Transfer Infusion process.

The composite wing represents an innovative leap forward in aviation design and technology.  A specially-designed rig was constructed for the demonstrator test program.  This rig represents the outer wing to center wing box and center fuselage attachments, including a simulated main landing gear leg and a simulated engine and pylon.  Controlled loading will be applied to these key areas of the demonstrator, thereby replicating the maximum loading conditions that the wing will see in service.  The subsequent data collected will enable Bombardier’s engineers to validate their stress and design assumptions.

“Producing this demonstrator has been a significant investment for us, but will bring significant benefits. Through a rigorous testing program, we will get real test data from the demonstrator which will enable us to optimize the design of the actual CSeries aircraft production wing.  This will allow us to create the lightest weight solution with the utmost confidence in the wing’s structural integrity,” said Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast.

“Having carried out several thousand individual material and detail tests to date, we are delighted with the progress of the CSeries aircraft wing development program, and are looking forward to gathering the data that will help us determine the wing’s final design,” Mr Ryan continued.

FMI: www.bombardier.com