CSeries FTV-1 Aircraft

On March 7th, 2013 Bombardier presented the first CSeries aircraft FTV-1 to the press and public at a program update presentation. It was not called a roll-out because the aircraft was not in rol-out condition needing its engines to be installed and landing gear and other systems checked out.

Bombardier indicated that the aircraft was structurally complete, all the wiring fitted, and last systems are being installed. After functional tests which are scheduled before the end of April, FTV-1 will begin the ground test program moving to a planned first flight by the end of June 2013.

The CS100 will be firs to fly in the program, and flight testing will involve five aircraft which must be delivered one a month to complete the planned year long certification test program. The CS300 is scheduled to fly in 2014 for certification by the end of that year.

On March 7th, 2013, Bombardier Aerospace released an update to the progress of its CSeries program. According to the release, the aircraft is making progress and the company is beginning to transition to the flight test phase in order to conduct the program’s first flight by the end of June 2013.

Bombardier confirmed that it has introduced an extra capacity seating option that will increase the CS300 aircraft seating to up to 160 passengers and confirmed that airBaltic selected the 148-seat high density version for its aircraft.

The CS300 aircraft’s systems’ capacity has been increased to accommodate higher passenger capacity. The extra capacity option requires the addition of a second pair of over-wing exit doors, will be available both in-production and as a retrofit option.

As of December 31, 2012, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 382 CSeries aircraft with firm orders for 148 CSeries aircraft.