Bombardier's CSeries conducts first test flight

Bombardier Aerospace celebrated (16-Sep-2013) the successful first flight of its CSeries flight test vehicle one (FTV1) on 16-Sep-2013. The flight departed from Montreal-Mirabel International Airport at approximately 09:55 EDT and returned at approximately 12:25 EDT. A total of five CS100 flight test vehicles, all of which are currently in various stages of assembly, will join the flight test programme in the coming months. The company stated that the flight is a major milestone in development programme and marks the start of the CSeries aircraft's flight test programme leading up to the first customer delivery. This was also the first flight for Pratt & Whitney's new 'Geared Turbofan' PurePower PW1500G engine as part of an aircraft certification programme. [more - original PR]

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft: "This is a very proud day for Bombardier and a true validation of the CSeries aircraft's design and development, and of our extensive ground test programme," said Rob Dewar, VP and general manager, CSeries program. Source: Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, 16-Sep-2013.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft: "On behalf of Bombardier's leadership team, I extend my gratitude to everyone who was involved in making this flight such a great success. The patience, care and quality that has gone into the CSeries aircraft's development programme shone through today as we celebrate this milestone achievement of the first all-new, single-aisle aircraft that will revolutionise the 100- to 149-seat commercial aircraft market - with its outstanding economics, reduced environmental footprint and exceptional flying experience." Mike Arcamone, president. Source: Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, 16-Sep-2013.