Maiden Voyage Accomplished Just One Year After Program Launch

Bombardier Aerospace’s all-new Bombardier Global 5000 business jet successfully completed a rigorous first flight Friday, marking a significant milestone for the much anticipated high-speed intercontinental aircraft. The first Bombardier Global 5000 business jet – s/n #9127 – took off from Bombardier’s Downsview, Ontario facility under clear skies, at 12:24 p.m. EST and returned at 4:08 p.m. EST. During the course of its three-hour, 44-minute flight northwest of Toronto, it reached a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, and a maximum indicated airspeed of 340 knots (391 mph).

Friday’s flight was dedicated to testing basic system functionality and assessing the aircraft’s handling and flying qualities. It occurred in accordance with the program schedule established at official launch only a year ago. Type certification is on schedule for early 2004, with first customer delivery taking place at the end of the same year.

Captain Craig Tylski, principal engineering test pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center, flew the aircraft with co-pilot Gary Bruce, senior engineering test pilot. Also on board was flight test engineer Scott Runyan. Mr. Tylski, who has 32 years experience as a pilot, and 25 years as a test pilot, was impressed with the aircraft’s performance.

“The Bombardier Global 5000 first flight was flawless; the aircraft flew as smooth as a Bombardier Global Express,” stated Mr. Tylski. “That we were able to take the aircraft to maximum speed on first flight represents an extraordinary feat, and reflects the advanced capabilities of our Bombardier Global family.”

Bombardier launched the Global 5000 program in February of 2002, following a thorough, two-year market research effort, during which Bombardier identified the specific needs of customers and operators in the evolving super-large business jet segment. Based on the proven platform of the ultra long-range Bombardier Global Express, the Bombardier Global 5000 combines superior performance standards with one of the most comfortable and technologically advanced cabins currently available in its category.

To guarantee outstanding mission availability and reliability, the Bombardier Global 5000 offers more system redundancy than any other large or super-large business jet. At 42 feet, six inches long, 8 feet, 2 inches wide and 6 feet, 3 inches tall, the Bombardier Global 5000 cabin has among the widest and most spacious cabins for a super-large business jet.

Loaded with 23,000 pounds of fuel, the aircraft’s takeoff weight was 77,600 pounds. The flight was conducted as a stage climb to 45,000 feet. The first tests took place in an initial altitude block of 15,000 feet to 17,000 feet, and included basic control and handling checks, as well as landing gear retraction and extension, and a landing gear free fall.

The aircraft then climbed to 31,000 feet and navigation system checks were conducted. At 41,000 feet, the crew executed engine, pressurization and environmental control checks. Throughout all these tests, the aircraft performed as expected. At its maximum first flight altitude of 45,000 feet, basic engine and handling characteristics were again tested, and proved to be on target.

Bombardier Global 5000 s/n #9127 will complete its preliminary testing at Bombardier’s Downsview facility, before moving to Bombardier’s Wichita facility to begin the flight test program. As the flight test program moves forward, pilots will take the aircraft to its certification ceiling of 51,000 feet, and will focus on aerodynamics and the interior systems testing.

First flight of Bombardier Global 5000 s/n #9130, the second and final aircraft in the flight test program, will take place during the upcoming months. This aircraft will be equipped with a full production interior at Bombardier’s Montreal completion center before relocating to Wichita for mostly function and reliability testing.

FMI: www.aero.bombardier.com