Bombardier’s CS100 aircraft has completed all noise performance testing, with preliminary data confirming it is the quietest in-production commercial jet in its class. “In August 2015, one of our C Series flight test aircraft was deployed to Redmond, Oregon, USA, for approximately two weeks to carry out community noise testing [external noise tests] as part of the aircraft’s scheduled Flight Test Program,” explained Sebastien Mullot, director, C Series Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, speaking exclusively to Aerospace Testing International.
“Redmond was selected because it allowed noise data gather that was free of other noise sources. The objective of the testing was to confirm the aircraft’s noise signature, which makes it the quietest commercial jet in production.”
A team of approximately 20 Bombardier Flight Test Center employees, including flight test pilots, flight test engineers, engineering and maintenance specialists, were on-site to support the testing. “With the use of high-technology tools, we followed strict guidelines set by the authorities,” continued Mullot. “Several thousands of data points were collected and are undergoing analysis by our acoustics specialists with results expected later this year. This program is not too different from what we’ve done previously – we also select optimal locations. What differs are the data points collected.”
Meanwhile, the first production CS100 aircraft will soon commence function and reliability testing, signaling the start of the final flight-testing phase. For these tests, the aircraft will operate on a commercial airline type of schedule from key airports in North America. “The C Series certification program is now over 85 per cent complete,” confirmed Rob Dewar, vice president, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
Relatively few hurdles remain before flight testing can begin. “We have completed all the high-risk testing items, such as flutter, anti-skid, runway performance, water ingestion, hot and cold weather operations, to name a few,” added Mullot. “We are now in the final stretch, finalizing a few low-risk tests that are routinely kept for the end. The completion of the certification test reports for Transport Canada is the next big item for us, however we’re progressing well on that front too.”
September 17, 2015
