Bombardier Completes Ultimate Load Test on Cseries Aircraft Demonstrator Wing
FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - July 19, 2010) - Bombardier
Aerospace, Belfast has completed the ultimate load test on the CSeries aircraft
composite demonstrator wing, successfully replicating 150 per cent of the most
severe forces the wing is ever likely to experience in service.
The Belfast operation is responsible for the design, manufacture and integration
of the complete wing for the CSeries aircraft, including all flight control
surfaces and high lift systems. A key feature is the composite torque box, which
is being produced using Belfast's innovative Resin Transfer Infusion composite
technology. As part of the complex research and development programme, a
full-scale, three-quarter span pre-production demonstrator wing was assembled,
which has been undergoing rigorous testing.
Loads were progressively increased on the demonstrator wing in order to simulate
aerodynamic, landing gear and engine pylon forces, until ultimate loading was
successfully achieved.
"We are now assessing the data from the thousands of strain gauges, and are
delighted with the results we've obtained so far," said Michael Ryan, Vice
President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast. "The data will
help us to optimize the final production design for weight and performance. This
successful demonstrator test confirms that our Resin Transfer Infusion process
is an excellent means by which to manufacture the large primary structural
elements of the composite wing torque box for the CSeries aircraft."
Having successfully achieved ultimate loading, Bombardier engineers are
continuing to carry out further tests on the demonstrator wing to assess the
wing's capability of sustaining various types and levels of damage. This will
also allow them to ensure that repair systems are proven before the aircraft
enter into service.
"We want to take every opportunity to learn as much as we possibly can before we
finalize the wing design and start production. We are focusing on and testing
various areas so we can be absolutely confident in the structure and its
maintainability. This is another means by which we are building confidence
amongst our customers and potential customers," Mr. Ryan added.
In addition to the assembly and testing of the demonstrator wing, Bombardier
Aerospace, Belfast has carried out over 4,000 individual material, structural
detail and sub-component development tests to prove out the design,
manufacturing and assembly technologies being employed.
Production of the CSeries aircraft wings is due to get under way early in 2011
in a new 600,000 sq ft (55,742 m2) purpose-built factory in Belfast, the first
phase of which is nearing completion.
Since launching the CSeries family of aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show in
July 2008, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 90 CSeries
aircraft, comprising a firm order from Republic Airways for 40 CS300 aircraft, a
firm order from Deutsche Lufthansa AG for 30 CS100 aircraft, and one from Lease
Corporation International Group for 17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft. The
programme has also booked options for an additional 90 CSeries aircraft. The
CSeries aircraft, which is optimized for the single-aisle 100- to 149-seat
market, will deliver the lowest operating costs in its class, exceptional
operational flexibility, widebody comfort and an unmatched environmental
scorecard.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from
commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems
and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada.
Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2010, were $19.4 billion, and
its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed
as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America
indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, CS100, CS300 and CSeries are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its
subsidiaries.
Note to Editors:
Photos of the CSeries aircraft composite demonstrator wing are available in the
press releases section at: www.aero.bombardier.com
Contacts:
Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast
Helen Gregory
0044-(0)-28-9073-3515
Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast
Maria Ryan
0044-(0)-28-9073-3515
www.bombardier.com
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Source: Bombardier Aerospace via Thomson Reuters ONE
