Bombardier has begun building the first test facility for the new CSeries aircraft in Canada.

The CSeries, which is currently under development, is a new family of long-range single-aisle aircraft with 100-145 seats and a range of 1,800nm-2,950nm.

The complete integrated aircraft systems test area (CIASTA) will test flight control systems, avionics, electrical and environmental controls, and also house a virtual CSeries test aircraft.

The CIASTA will contain a CSeries aircraft integrated systems test and certification rig called Iron Bird, which is a complete test vehicle for earlier product maturity.

The facility will house other test articles including an interiors rig, a systems integration test stand, an engineering simulator and a flight controls integration lab.

The facility will test aircraft systems a year before the first prototype aircraft flies and will be ready for test rig assembly in 2010.