Bombardier CSeries C110 / C130 Regional Jet Airliners, Canada

Bombardier's CSeries aircraft is a family of aircraft specifically designed for the 110 to 130 seat market. The C110 seats 110 passengers and the C130 seats 130 passengers. Both the C110 and C130 are available in standard and extended range configurations. The standard configuration, for short haul flights on typical airport high frequency "hub-and-spoke" routes, has a range up to 1,800 nautical miles. The extended range version for point-to-point and transcontinental flights provides ranges up to 3,000 nautical miles.

In March 2004, Bombardier started an evaluation program to examine the feasibility of a new generation of commercial aircraft. The concept definition phase of the development program for the CSeries started in 2004 and is scheduled to continue into 2006.

By March 2005, Bombardier started to offer the new aircraft to customers. A joint development program involving selected contractors will be underway in 2006, leading to the detailed design phase starting in 2007. Engine certification should be complete in 2008. The first flight is scheduled to take place in 2008 and the CSeries will enter service in 2010.

In May 2005, Bombardier announced that the final assembly of the aircraft will be carried out in Greater Montreal in Quebec, Canada. The wings, engine nacelles and composite empennage will be developed in the Bombardier facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The governments of Canada, Quebec and the UK are providing investment funding of $700 million. The governments of Canada and Quebec will invest $262.5 million and $87.5 million. The UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Invest Northern Ireland (INR) are providing a £180 million investment in the project. The DTI's contribution of £125 million is a repayable launch investment.

DESIGN

About 20% of the aircraft by weight will be of composite construction. Composite materials are used in the centre and rear sections of the fuselage, the tail cone, empennage and wings. The aircraft features a fourth generation transonic wing design.

The CSeries incorporates a high level of electrical systems and control which contribute to a low operating weight and improved operating costs. The C110 and C130 aircraft have the same engine and a high level of commonality in crew training, operating procedures, and parts and maintenance procedures.

Passenger doors are installed on both sides at the fore and aft of the cabin. The cabin is laid out for fast and easy access requiring minimum turnaround time at the airport.

FLIGHT DECK

The flight deck is equipped with fly-by-wire and conventional side stick controls. The fly by wire control allows greater fuel efficiency and lower weight. The initial concept outline drawings show five large displays installed in the instrument panel.

CABIN

Several new features are designed into the cabin, for example newly designed windows and lighting. The standard interior configuration provides five abreast (three by two) seating at 32in pitch separated by a centre aisle. The business class configuration has four abreast seats. The ergonomically designed business class seats are fitted with power outlets, Internet connections and in-flight entertainment. Mixed class interior configurations are also planned.

The overhead compartments provide carry-on baggage space of 2.6ft³ per passenger. The layout gives each row of seats at least one 11in x 16in window.

The cargo compartment of the C110 provides a usable volume of 830ft³.

LANDING GEAR

The aircraft has good shortfield landing capability in all weather conditions. The aircraft has retractable tricycle type landing gear: the main units retracts inward and the nose unit retracts rearward. Each unit is twin-wheeled.

ENGINES

The selection of the engine has not been announced but selection is expected by the end of 2005 and engine certification by 2008.