Bombardier Aerospace confirmed that the final results of a three-phase wind tunnel test confirmed the aerodynamics of the CSeries as well enabled the optimal integration of the PW1500G engines onto the CSeries airframe.
This wasn’t a simple wind tunnel test, but instead a five year program from conceptual design through detailed design and now finalization of the configuration for production of the first aircraft. Â Utilizing supercomputers and advanced computational fluid dynamics models that were not available for prior generations of aircraft, Bombardier has been able to minimize interference drag and design the engine nacelle and thrust reversers for optimal aerodynamic performance. Â The result is a highly efficient airframe that helps minimize fuel burn.
This testing program incorporated more than 20 scale models with 4,500 hours of testing at facilities in Canada, France, Germany, UK, USA and the Netherlands that enabled Bombardier to simulate the CSeries in take-off, landing, and high altitude cruise scenarios.
This aerodynamic validation represents another milestone in the CSeries development program, which Bombardier indicates remains on time for a late 2013 delivery of the first CS100, and planned 2014 delivery of the first CS300.
Bombardier has booked 133 firm orders for the CSeries, with options for an additional 129 aircraft as of November 1, 2011.
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I am surprised that Bombardier arrives to the completion of its aerodynamic research program this late on the CSeries. I thought they were done already. How can you start manufacturing, say a wing, if you have not completely finalized the aerodynamic profile? That opens the door to speculations that there will be a delay and gives credence to the rumour that the program might actually be nine months late already.