Bombardier Learjet 40 Prototype, First Production Model
Complete First Flights
ORLANDO, FLORIDA--SEPTEMBER 10, 2002 - 14:25 EDT
Both aircraft fly within a week of each other
The Bombardier Learjet(R) 40, which was introduced at the
Farnborough Air Show in July, surpassed two major milestones
within a week when the prototype of the new super-light business
jet flew for the first time on August 31 and the first production
model made its maiden flight six days later on September 5.
Both first flights departed from Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport,
site of the Bombardier Learjet manufacturing facility and the
Bombardier Flight Test Center. Pete Reynolds, vice-president,
flight test, and Doug May, flight test and engineering test pilot,
were at the controls of both aircraft for the unprecedented double
accomplishment. Eric Nordberg acted as flight test engineer on
both flights, as well.
"I can't recall any other aircraft program where the test article
and the first production model have flown so close together," Mr.
Reynolds said. "Normally, once an aircraft concept is announced,
it takes months before a prototype is produced and flown.
Traditionally, the first production airplane follows significantly
later. To fly both within six weeks of the announcement of the
concept is pretty extraordinary. We're really pleased that both
flights went so well."
Flight details
The first flight of the Bombardier Learjet 40 prototype took off
at 5:05 p.m. on Saturday, August 31 under nearly ideal weather
conditions and returned at 7:24 p.m., having reached an altitude
of 47,000 feet (14,326 m) and a speed of 270 knots (312 mph; 502
km/h). "The prototype is actually a 'deplugged' Bombardier
Learjet 45 which was shortened by 24.5 inches and modified
slightly to conform to the systems and dimensions of the
Bombardier Learjet 40. We had a very good idea of what to expect
from our extensive experience with the Bombardier Learjet 45, but
this was still a unique experience. The modifications didn't
result in any perceptible change to the flight characteristics,"
noted Mr. May.
Six days later, at 2:17 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, Mr.
Reynolds and Mr. May piloted the first production model of the
Bombardier Learjet 40 into clear skies for a two hour and 56
minute flight. They climbed to an altitude of 51,000 feet (15,545
meters) and reached a top speed of 270 knots (312 mph; 502 km/h)
while performing a number of system checks. "We found the airplane
to be very stable and predictable, which is a tribute to the
people who built it," Mr. Reynolds commented. Like the Bombardier
Learjet 45 from which it is derived, the Bombardier Learjet 40's
fuselage is built at Bombardier's Belfast facility in Northern
Ireland. The wing is fabricated at Bombardier's Downsview
facility in Ontario and then shipped to Wichita, where the
aircraft is assembled.
All of the Bombardier Learjet 40 certification testing will be
flown in the two aircraft which flew last week. The first flights
were conducted using standard Production Flight Test procedures.
The testing will continue over the next year with the prototype
(serial number 45-001) focusing on stability and control, flight
dynamics, performance, and basic systems changes which differ from
the Bombardier Learjet 45. The first production aircraft (serial
number 2001) will be assigned to fly production verifications for
the redesigned systems and conduct testing related to the interior
and available options.
Type certification to stringent regulations from Transport Canada
and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected in
the third quarter of next year. Certification from the European
Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) is on target for the first
quarter of 2004, with entry into service expected soon thereafter.
Combining comfort and performance to light jet customers
Capable of operating at cruise speeds up to Mach 0.81 (534 mph;
859 km/hr), the Bombardier Learjet 40 has a maximum range of 1,803
nautical miles (3,339 km) with four passengers, two crew and IFR
reserves and will be certified for operations at altitudes of up
to 51,000 feet (15,545 m). With full fuel and a maximum payload it
will fly up to 1,685 nm (3,119 km) at Mach 0.73 (481 mph, 774
km/h), and will lead its class in terms of payload-range
capability for all missions up to 1,699 nautical miles (3,145 km)
with payloads equal to or greater than 1,000 pounds (454 kg).
The Bombardier Learjet 40 provides a 17 feet, eight inches (5.39
m) long cabin, with a width of 5.12 ft (1.56 m) and a height of
4.92 ft (1.50 m). The typical configuration sports a forward club
seating arrangement and a flat floor that translates into
outstanding seated comfort for up to seven passengers. The
improved interior also offers re-designed seats, which are two
inches (5 cm) wider and result in additional legroom and a
full-size galley, full-across aft lavatory, and a LED lighting
system, which lasts longer, is more robust and emits less heat.
The aircraft is initially priced at $6.915 million (US).
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader
in the design, and manufacture of innovative aviation products and
provides services for the regional, business and amphibious
aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet fractional
ownership, aircraft charter and management, technical services,
aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional
airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company,
is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional
aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational
products. It also provides financial services and asset management
in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered
in Montreal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some
80,000 people in 24 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and
Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2002
stood at $21.6 billion Cdn. Bombardier trades on the Toronto,
Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
(R) Registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc.
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