Bombardier CSeries FTV1 touches down on Rwy 06 at YMX after a successful first flight. Photo: Bombardier Aero
Today, on a brisk Quebec fall morning, Bombardier’s CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1) took off for the first time at Mirabel Airport (YMX). I, along with hundreds of three thousand Bombardier employees watched the takeoff at just before 10AM ET, and then we waited for FTV1 to return at 12:25 PM. Stands had been set up along the apron, with a somewhat distant view of the runway. Of course, there were airline VIPs watching, including executives from the airlines that have ordered the 177 CSeries planes on the books, and from airlines that Bombardier is trying to convince to order the CSeries.
FTV1’s first flight was 2 1/2 hours long, and was described as an “extremely, extremely successful test flight”, by Bombardier CSeries VP Robert Dewar. FTV1 Chief Test Pilot Chuck Ellis said “How did it fly? Like the predictions, like the sim(ulator).”
Bombardier CSeries FTV1 on the ramp at Mirabel Airport (YMX) Photo: Bombardier Aero
UPDATE: September 15th, 7:30 PM ET
Bombardier has just confirmed that the first flight of CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1) will happen tomorrow morning, Monday, September 16th. Winds are expected to be light and the sky mostly clear. Remember to follow me @airchive – I’ll be live-tweeting the event starting at 8:00 AM ET. Bombardier has set up a webcast of the first flight HERE, with pre-flight activities starting at 9:30 AM ET.
PREVIOUS UPDATE: September 14th
Late on Friday, Bombardier announced that the first flight of CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1) is expected to take place this Monday, September 16th. Of course, the test flight team will be looking for optimal weather and aircraft readiness before making the decision to fly. The timing for the flight is expected to be set sometime on Sunday.
I’ll be at Mirabel on Monday to cover this exciting event for our friends at Airchive.com and I’ll be live tweeting on @airchive, so follow along there!
CSeries FTV1 is moving so fast, it’s a blur! High-speed taxi tests are underway.
Photo: Bombardier Aero
On Friday, Bombardier’s CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1) began high-speed taxi testing at Mirabel Airport (YMX). FTV1’s test pilots will run the plane up to 120 knots before putting on the brakes. The tests need to be done with good weather and winds, and on a dry runway.
It sounds like testing is going well, according to Robert Dewar, Vice President and General Manager, CSeries Program. ’œThe aircraft and the flight crew are feeling quite comfortable with the high-speed tests run so far. The crew is reporting that the aircraft is handling beautifully and pending a few more taxi runs, we’ll move into the shimmy testing of the main and nose landing gears whereby the stabilization and vibration, amongst other things, are tested,’ said Mr. Dewar.
Bombardier CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 1 showing off its new paint job.
Photo: Bombardier Aero
UPDATE – Sept. 2: FTV1’s first flight is now even closer. Late last week, Transport Canada awarded Bombardier’s first CSeries plane its Flight Test Permit. This clears the way for FTV1 to begin high-speed taxi tests, and ultimately fly for the first time.
You can read Bombardier’s press release HERE.
ORIGINAL STORY – Aug. 23: Bombardier has dressed up its CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1) in new “house” colors. After all, it’s always important to look your best when you’re going to a big party. And FTV1’s first flight certainly qualifies as a huge event for the CSeries’ program.
The new livery looks quite similar to the design we’ve seen in previous artist conceptions of the plane in the air. It has a white fuselage with blue tail and engine cowlings, and a cute little red tip on its nose. I’m thinking that the red is there to highlight the test plane’s air data probe, which won’t be on production aircraft. Be careful, you’ll put your eye out with that!
Bombardier CS100 FTV1 is rolling!
Photo: Bombardier
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1) has started slow-speed taxi tests at Mirabel Airport.
’œWe checked off yet another great series of accomplishments on the first CSeries aircraft. It was thrilling to see FTV1 move under its own power on the tarmac during the low-speed taxi runs this week,” said Robert Dewar, Vice President and General Manager, CSeries Program. He added, “I’m also pleased to share that FTV1 completed the high-powered engine runs while the aircraft was stationary. When full thrust was applied, we were able to run full vibration checks ’“ but most telling, the flight test team was extremely impressed with how quiet the engines were at full power.’
In addition to other final tests, FTV1 will soon head into the paint shop for a new “look”. FTV1’s first flight is still scheduled to take place “in the coming weeks.”
Click HERE to read Bombardier’s press release, and HERE to watch a video of the taxi tests.
Stay tuned!
