The CSeries features a body built of 70% advanced structural materials to deliver weight savings. 46% of the body – including the wings – will be advanced composite materials.
The test airframe will be used during the Complete Airframe Static Test (CAST) that is designed to demonstrate the static strength of the airframe and show compliance with certification requirements.
Parts for the first CSeries test flight vehicle (FTV1) are also on site in Mirabel, Québec, the production site of the CSeries aircraft programme. Major components for the FTV1 are nearing completion and are on schedule for arrival in late September.
“The assembly of the test airframe is another significant development as we make headway in the intense ground testing phase before the CSeries aircraft’s flight test programme," says Rob Dewar, Vice President and General Manager, CSeries, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
"The fuselage sections in the test airframe are being joined and we’re looking forward to adding the wings and the empennage, and starting the stress tests.”
Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 352 CSeries aircraft.
The Bombardier press release about the CSeries test airframe is available in the Downloads section on the right.
