Bombardier pushes back first test flight of CSeries

Bombardier Aerospace announced (24-Jul-2013) a third delay to the first CSeries test flight and now expects the first flight "to occur in the coming weeks". The aircraft manufacturer stated the CSeries aircraft's overall integration is "progressing well" but the highly technical last steps are taking more time than initially anticipated to validate the overall systems and ongoing software integration. The company also confirmed that the integration of the CSeries' auxiliary power unit and Pratt & Whitney 'PurePower' PW1500G engines on the first flight test vehicle (FTV1) is running smoothly, allowing for testing of the aircraft's key systems. It also confirmed the latest software upgrades on the aircraft continue to be successfully completed. Activities with Transport Canada to obtain the Flight Test Permit for FTV1 are progressing steadily and the permit is also expected in the coming weeks. Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said that while the process has taken more time than originally expected, Bombardier is "pleased with the results and are very comfortable taking more time to ensure the required integration is finalized and the CSeries aircraft is cleared for its first flight." Bombardier firm orders for 177 CSeries aircraft. [more - original PR]