Fifth Global 7000 Joins Flight-test Program

Bombardier’s fifth Global 7000 (FTV5) competed its first flight recently, rounding out the full complement of flight-test vehicles for the program. The initial flight, from Bombardier's Toronto facility, lasted 4.6 hours. Dubbed “The Masterpiece,” FTV5 incorporates a slightly lighter wing and will be used to validate tests completed to date. The aircraft will complete the type-certification campaign, paving the way for entry-into-service later this year, Bombardier said.

Since the first Global 7000 flew on Nov. 4, 2016, the test fleet has accrued more than 1,300 flight hours. “It’s an exciting time for the program and the team as we enter the certification phase and get closer to the aircraft’s entry into service in the second half [of 2018],” said Michel Ouellette, senior vice president for the Global 7000 and 8000 programs.

The program continues to check off key milestones, including testing in crosswinds at high-altitude airfields and in all-weather conditions. “The results speak to the aircraft’s maturity, reliability, and strong performance,” said François Caza, vice president of product development and chief engineer. “In addition to flight testing, we continue to progress our ground-test program and have now met the full airframe fatigue test milestone as required by authorities for entry into service.”

Once certified, the four-zone, $75 million Global 7000 will become Bombardier’s flagship business jet, flying 7,400 nautical miles and achieving speeds of up to Mach 0.925.