New Certs Touted At Paris Air Show

Bombardier Aerospace announced Sunday that the all-new Bombardier Challenger 300(i) business jet was awarded full type certification by the FAA on June 4, 2003 - just five days after earning Transport Canada type approval on May 30.

"Obtaining type certifications from both these regulatory authorities within just days of each other is unprecedented in corporate aviation history," noted Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "This is powerful testimony to the outstanding performance and features of the Bombardier Challenger 300 and follows the successful completion of the most stringent and comprehensive of certification programs. The world's first true super midsize business jet is now cleared for takeoff."

Bombardier executives made the Transport Canada and FAA certification announcement at the biennial Paris Air Show, the same location where the Bombardier Challenger 300 was launched, just four years earlier.

With a freshly painted Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft as a striking backdrop, and joined by Bombardier Aerospace president and chief operating officer, Pierre Beaudoin, and Bombardier Aerospace executive vice-president of engineering and product development, John Holding, Mr. Edwards reminded an audience of journalists, customers, industry officials and special guests that "this paves the way to begin delivering completed Challenger 300 jets into service later this year."

Edwards was gleeful at the announcement. "Soon, air traffic controllers worldwide will start seeing another Challenger business jet on runways, one that shares the same attributes as the very successful widebody Bombardier Challenger 604(i) aircraft - rugged reliability, a large and versatile cabin, and superior value. The Challenger 300 is already setting the new standard in its class, establishing two NAA (National Aeronautic Association) - sanctioned world records in the past week. A test aircraft with less than 300 flight hours set new "Speed over a Recognized Course" marks from Boston to Le Bourget on Thursday, flying at 583 miles per hour and, last Tuesday, just five days ago, by transporting eight passengers non-stop at Mach .80 from Miami to Seattle. This is the level of performance customers and users can routinely expect and rely on."

The Bombardier Challenger 300 features a top speed of Mach 0.82 (541 mph; 870 km/h), a maximum non-stop range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,741 km) and a maximum takeoff weight of 38,500 pounds (17,463 kg). Total cabin volume is 860 cubic feet (24.35 m3) and it offers operating costs equivalent to or better than current midsize jets.

Performance Guarantees Achieved

Transport Canada and the FAA granted Challenger 300 their type certifications following flight and ground testing programs conducted in full cooperation with the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). The program, which began following first flight in August 2001, involved five flight test aircraft plus two full-sized static test articles, one for static testing and one for damage tolerance and fatigue testing. Type approval by JAA to European JAR Part 25 Change 15, including OP 96/1, is expected shortly.

Designed to deliver best-of-class value, 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.

Powered by two new Honeywell AS907 high bypass ratio turbofan engines delivering 6,501 pounds (28.9 kN) of thrust, the Bombardier Challenger 300 can cross the US within five hours. A 4,950-foot (1,509-m) takeoff balanced field distance and an actual landing distance of 2,600 feet (792 m) give it exceptional full range and field performance capability.

A quick time-to-climb capability also enables the airplane to rise rapidly above both weather and traffic. The initial cruise altitude is 41,000 feet (12,497 m) at MTOW, ISA +10 degrees Celsius, with a maximum ceiling of 45,000 feet (13,716 m) where traffic density is about 19 times lower than at 37,000 feet (11,278 m).

With a 146-square-foot (13.56-sq m) total floor area, the standard interior floor plan features double-club seating with generous proportions for passenger comfort. This layout incorporates an ergonomic seated environment with reclining seats and easy-access personal service panels while power outlets, telephone handsets and retractable worktables offer an efficient and productive workplace.

Passenger comfort is enhanced by a flat floor throughout the cabin as well as tracking/swivelling seats. Plus, the absence of a secondary pressure bulkhead provides greater flexibility in optimizing the cabin, lavatory and baggage spaces. The baggage compartment measures 106 cubic feet (3.0 cu. m), and is accessible in flight.

FMI: www.bombardier.com