Bombardier’s new Cseries narrobody airliner made its first flight on September 16 from the company’s Mirabel, Quebec facilities.
CS100 flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1), registered C-FBCS, departed Montreal-Mirabel International Airport at approximately 9:55 local time before landing at approximately 12:25, during which time it reached an altitude of 12,000ft and a speed of 230kt. The flight was under the command of Bombardier’s chief flight test pilot Captain Chuck Ellis with Capt Andy Litavniks in the right hand seat and joined on the flightdeck by flight test engineer Andreas Hartono.
“The performance of the CSeries aircraft was very impressive. We couldn’t have wished for a better maiden flight,” said Capt Ellis. “FTV1’s state-of-the-art flightdeck was responsive and comfortable, and the aircraft handled exactly as expected. Overall, we had a very productive first flight and an excellent start to the flight test program.”
Rob Dewar, vice president and general manager, CSeries Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, provided details of the flight: “In-flight tests included flap and landing gear retractions and extensions; in-flight manoeuvres that included a simulated landing; and early validation of the flight control system.”
Upon landing the CSeries was welcomed back by 3,000 Bombardier employees and guests.
In all five CS100 flight test aircraft will take part in the aircraft’s certification program.
