Story ID: 
Global 7000 Program Surpasses 500 Flight-test Hours
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Testing conducted over the 500 flight hours has demonstrated the capability of the aircraft's propulsion, avionics, electrical and mechanical systems.
Word Count: 244
The Global 7000 flight-test program has surpassed the 500-hour milestone, Bombardier Business Aircraft announced today. Three flight-test vehicles (FTVs) are currently engaed in the certifcation campaign and Bombardier reiterated that the program is on track to meet the aircraft's targeted entry-into-service in the second half of next year. FTV1 has been flying since November.

Bombardier also confirmed that the first several customer aircraft are progressing smoothly through production, with four Global 7000 business jets currently in final assembly at the Bombardier facility in Toronto. Two remaining flight-test vehicles, FTV4 and FTV5, are currently in final assembly at that facility.

“The three flight-test vehicles have been meeting all performance and reliability expectations for this stage in the flight-test program, and the pace of testing will continue to accelerate with the two remaining FTVs progressing well toward their respective first flights," said Michel Ouellette, the senior vice president of the Global 7000 and 8000 program. “With more than 500 flight test hours already logged, the program's development and certification schedule is on track. Our confidence level is high as we accumulate more flight hours and push towards entry-into-service in the second half of 2018.”

Testing conducted using the three FTVs over the course of the 500 flight hours has demonstrated the capability of the aircraft's propulsion, avionics, electrical and mechanical systems. This testing will account for the majority of the certification requirements. Hot and cold weather environmental tests have also been completed, the company said.