MONTREAL -- Bombardier says major components of its first CSeries test flight vehicle are on schedule to arrive in Quebec in late September as it gears up for the planned first flight later this year.
The Montreal-based manufacturer said parts of the first test flight vehicle are on site in Mirabel and major components of the test flight vehicle are nearing completion.
Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) also announced Friday that assembly is well underway on the airframe to be used in static testing of the 110- to 149-seat aircraft in Montreal.
The test airframe is designed to demonstrate its strength and show compliance with certification requirements.
CSeries vice-president Rob Dewar says the assembly of the test airframe is another "significant development" as it conducts ground testing before the aircraft's flight test program.
The fuselage sections of the metallic and composite material test airframe are being joined, to be followed by the addition of the wings and empennage -- or tail assembly -- before the start of stress tests.
The test airframe is being assembled in a massive rig that will be used to apply loads or pressure representing various flight manoeuvres such as landing, takeoff and other conditions.
Bombardier recently announced it was conducting virtual flights. It says the plane's avionics, electrical, flight control, fly-by-wire, hydraulic, landing gear and wiring systems are all commissioned, and systems integration and communication have been successfully demonstrated.
A rig with CAE's (TSX:CAE) engineered flight simulator is also being installed, along with other components.
The CSeries plane is slated to be delivered beginning late next year. With its new Pratt & Whitney engines, the aircraft promises to reduce fuel burn by 20 per cent and save 15 per cent in cash operating costs.
Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 352 CSeries aircraft, including 138 firm orders from nine customers.
On the Toronto Stock Exchange, Bombardier shares gained three cents at $3.83 in morning trading.
