Bombardier Global 7000 Makes World Debut
Bombardier Global 7000 Global 7000 With the unveiling of FTV4 (flight test vehicle 4) at Henderson Executive Airport on Sunday, Bombardier introduced the Global 7000, claimed to be the world’s largest purpose-built business jet, at NBAA 2017. The clean-sheet, $72.8 million ultra-long-range jet features a four-zone cabin with galley and crew rest suite; a 7,400-nm range; and what the company says is the smoothest ride in its class due to the “optimized” aerodynamic characteristics of its wing. “There is no airplane in the market like it,” said Michel Ouellette, senior v-p of the Global 7000/8000 program, adding that the jet “will meet all its performance targets” and is on track for entry into service in the second half of 2018. Eight customer aircraft are currently on the production line at Bombardier’s Toronto facility. The Global 7000’s performance benchmarks include short field and high/hot capability, opening London City, Aspen and other challenging airports to the Global, and a Mach 0.85 typical cruise speed (Mmo is Mach 0.925 and high-speed cruise is Mach 0.90), shortening travel time between city pairs such as New York-Dubai, London-Singapore and Los Angeles-Shanghai, Ouellette said. Bombardier's flight-test program will employ five FTVs, each named for its specific mission in the validation and certification program. Four are currently flying. FTV1, dubbed the “Performer,” has notched more than 140 flights in its workhorse role and achieved a level flight speed of Mach 0.995 early in the program. FTV2, the “Powerhouse,” whose maiden flight was in March this year, concentrates on powerplant, hydraulics and aircraft systems tests. The “Navigator,” FTV3, is tasked with avionics and electrical systems. It reached 51,000 feet on first flight, and also conducted an 8,000-mile mission in which it spent three minutes north of 89 degrees