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.
Ray E
says:Any orders for Australian carriers?
Sam C
says:Not as of yet, but hopefully somebody will take it up, highly unlikely to be Virgin with their Embraers most likely to be looking would be Qantas to replace their 717s but based of dirt cheap running costs and maintenance, I highly doubt it until maybe 2020
Michael Anderson
says:would be perfect aircraft for airports like Bankstown, Archerfield & Moorabbin (all they need is a stronger runway, not longer).
This could be done relatively quickly & cheaply, compared to building new airport in Sydney which will take a decade & billions of dollars.
Michael Anderson
says:& SYD airport doesn’t have to be “consulted” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dee
says:The C series of aircraft will be great for the FIFO operators in another 5 to 10 years, a cheap, efficient , 100 pax carrier to replace the Fokker F-100’s and F-70’s that are in current use, and sure to be in ample supply along with spares.