CSeries

Bombardier Aerospace has restarted ground engine testing on its new CSeries flight test vehicles (FTV) in Mirabel, Québec, Canada, and reiterated commercial debut plans of the narrow-body aircraft in the second half of 2015.

The move comes after the company halted flight testing on 29 May due to a major failure in the FTV1 engine.

Bombardier said that the engine was shipped to Connecticut-based Pratt and Whitney for tear-down and analysis.

Damage on FTV1 from the engine problem was manageable and maintenance teams have begun repairs.

A Pratt & Whitney spokeswoman said that the company’s review of the engine found that a slight design modification would allow for continued ground testing.

Bombardier CSeries programme vice-president and general manager Robert Dewar said: "Now that we have a good understanding of what happened, a procedure is in place that introduces control measures to avoid such events.

"We are looking at other opportunities to showcase the CSeries FTV aircraft and we will communicate these plans when confirmed."

"Over the last week, we have also been running stationary tests of other systems such as the APU, electrical systems and avionics with EIS still expected in second half of 2015."

Bombardier expects to resume in-flight testing in the coming weeks and said that the aircraft will not be showcased at the Farnborough Air Show in July.

The company said in a statement: "We are looking at other opportunities to showcase the CSeries FTV aircraft and we will communicate these plans when confirmed."

The flight test programme comprises four CSeries FTVs, which have to date accumulated a total of about 330 flight test hours.

Image: CSeries is expected to enter service in the second half of 2015. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

Defence Technology