Testing of the Bombardier CSeries aircraft’s composite demonstrator wing is under way, representing another significant milestone in the development of the all-new aircraft due to enter service in 2013.  The testing is taking place at Bombardier’s Belfast facility which is responsible for the design, development and manufacture of the advanced composite wings for the CSeries aircraft.  The Belfast operation has successfully assembled a full-scale, three-quarter span pre-production demonstrator wing using its unique Resin Transfer Infusion process.

The composite wing represents an innovative leap forward in aviation design and technology.  A specially-designed rig was constructed for the demonstrator test programme.  This rig represents the outer wing to centre wing box and centre fuselage attachments, including a simulated main landing gear leg and a simulated engine and pylon.  Controlled loading will be applied to these key areas of the demonstrator, thereby replicating the maximum loading conditions that the wing will see in service.  The subsequent data collected will enable Bombardier’s engineers to validate their stress and design assumptions. 

“Producing this demonstrator has been a significant investment for us, but will bring significant benefits. Through a rigorous testing programme, we will get real test data from the demonstrator which will enable us to optimise the design of the actual CSeries aircraft production wing.  This will allow us to create the lightest weight solution with the utmost confidence in the wing’s structural integrity,” said Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast.

“Having carried out several thousand individual material and detail tests to date, we are delighted with the progress of the CSeries aircraft wing development programme, and are looking forward to gathering the data that will help us determine the wing’s final design,” Mr Ryan continued.

Since launching the CSeries family of aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 90 CSeries aircraft, comprising a firm order from Republic Airways for 40 CS300 aircraft, a firm order from Deutsche Lufthansa AG for 30 CS100 aircraft, and one from Lease Corporation International Group for 17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft. The programme has also booked options for an additional 90 CSeries aircraft.  The CSeries aircraft, which is optimised for the single-aisle 100- to 149-seat market, will deliver the lowest operating costs in its class, exceptional operational flexibility, widebody comfort and an unmatched environmental scorecard.

Source and picture: Bombardier