FTV1_Power_on

Bombardier Aerospace has successfully completed the first full ‘powering on’ of the main electrical distribution system on the first CSeries flight test vehicle (FTV1).

In addition, the aircraft manufacturer confirmed that the wing down-bending static test successfully concluded on the complete airframe static test (CAST) article at the company’s Saint-Laurent, Québec, facility this month.

Bombardier stated that together with the wing up-bending static test that completed earlier this month, the two significant wing static tests required for a first flight were now complete.

It also confirmed that safety-of-flight tests were progressing on ‘Aircraft 0’ – the on-the-ground integrated systems test rig (ISTCR) for the CSeries airliner.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft CSeries vice-president and general manager Rob Dewar said the powering on of the main electrical distribution system on FTV1 was a milestone and would allow powering of all sub-systems and the avionics suite testing.

"The build of the flight test vehicles, the static airframe testing and the systems tests are all advancing to schedule."

"The build of the flight test vehicles, the static airframe testing and the systems tests are all advancing to schedule," Dewar said.

"We are very satisfied with the CSeries aircraft’s excellent progress and weekly achievements as we advance solidly towards first flight."

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family is designed for the 100 to 149-seat market.

It will offer a 15% operating cost advantage and a 20% fuel burn reduction.

As of 31 December 2012, Bombardier CSeries airliner logged 382 orders and commitments, which include 148 firm orders.

Image: FTV1, the first CSeries flight test vehicle. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

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