CSeries

Bombardier Aerospace has announced that it has received Transport Canada’s flight test permit for the CSeries aircraft, Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1), clearing the way for its maiden flight that is expected in the coming weeks.

This development comes after a series of pre-flight tests, including low-speed taxi runs.

The FTV1 will now move ahead with high-speed taxi runs, where the aircraft simulates speeds for flight takeoff.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said that the CSeries aircraft teams have spent the last few weeks completing rigorous exercises to ensure the integrity and maturity of the aircraft are comply with the flight crew’s requirements.

"Five years in the making and today, following receipt of Transport Canada’s flight test permit, we are very close to the CSeries airliner’s first flight, a historic moment for Bombardier and a game-changing moment for the industry," Arcamone said.

The launch of CSeries single-aisle jets is part of Bombardier’s plan to end the market domination of Boeing’s 737 and Airbus A320 aeroplanes.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family is designed for the 100 to 149-seat market and will offer a 15% operating cost advantage and a 20% reduction in fuel burn.

"Five years in the making and today, following receipt of Transport Canada’s flight test permit, we are very close to the CSeries airliner’s first flight, a historic moment for Bombardier and a game-changing moment for the industry."

The maiden flight of CSeries was originally planned for the end of 2012. However, Bombardier pushed the scheduled date back by six months to June 2013 due to supplier delays in the delivery of components.

In June, Bombardier shifted the timeline for the first flight to July 2013 due to upgrades of the aircraft software and final ground testing.

In July, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer announced that due to a longer than expected system integration process, the first flight is set to take place in the next few months.

As of 30 June, Bombardier logged 388 orders and commitments, which included 177 firm orders, for the CSeries airliners.

Image: The FTV1 will now move ahead with high-speed taxi runs, the aircraft simulates speeds for flight takeoff. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

Defence Technology