Bombardier's Masterpiece FTV5 Joins Flight Test Program

Bombardier's "Masterpiece", the fifth and final test vehicle in the Global 7000 flight test program, has successfully completed its first flight, setting the stage for the program's entry-into-service in the second half of this year.

FTV5, or "The Masterpiece" as Bombardier has also named the aircraft, will validate tests completed to date, ensuring a smooth entry-into-service for the Global 7000 aircraft.

FTV5 joins four other test vehicles (FT4 is pictured below) in the flight test program, all of which are undergoing extensive flight and ground tests.

"We are proud to have all five Global 7000 test vehicles in flight testing - it's a testament to the determination and skill of Bombardier's team," said Michel Ouellette, Senior Vice President, Global 7000 and Global 8000 program. "It's a very exciting time for the program and the team as we enter into the certification phase and get closer to the aircraft's entry-into-service in the second half of this year."

The Global 7000 flight test program is progressing to plan, and in recent months, has completed several significant milestones, including the Global 7000 aircraft's first international deployment. Recent tests have successfully demonstrated the aircraft's capability in crosswinds at high-altitude airfields and in all-weather conditions.

"With over 1,300 hours of rigorous flight testing completed, the results speak to the aircraft's maturity, reliability and strong performance," said François Caza, Vice President, Product Development and Chief Engineer, Product Development Engineering. "In addition to flight testing, we continue to successfully progress our ground test program and have now met the full airframe fatigue test milestone as required by authorities for entry-into-service. We will continue to advance the Global 7000 test program to ensure the aircraft meets or exceeds the highest level of safety."

The Global 7000 aircraft has a long-range capability of 7,400 nm (13,705 km) at M 0.85. It can fly eight passengers non-stop from London to Singapore or Dubai to New York with a maximum operating speed of M 0.925.

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