Global Express BD Specs and Description

Background/History

In December 1993 Bombardier announced the launch of a project to produce a wide-body, intercontinental-range business aircraft, the Global Express. It would be a direct competitor for the high-end ultra-long-range market, but with a price of at least $1 million less than the Gulfstream V. Its range was targeted at 6,500 nm with NBAA IFR reserves at a cruising speed of 0.80 Mach, and at least 5,000 miles at 0.88 Mach. First flight of the Global Express prototype took place in October 1996, and the second aircraft entered the flight test program in February 1997. Four flight-test aircraft and two static airframes were involved in the flight test and certification program. Transport Canada granted Bombardier the type certificate for the Global Express on July 31, 1998. FAA certification was awarded in November 1998 with deliveries beginning in 1999 and continuing to 2005. Through 2006, 150 aircraft had been delivered.

Power

The Global Express is powered by two BMW Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 advanced technology medium bypass ratio turbofan engines rated 14,750 lbs. of thrust each at ISA +20C. Inspection interval for the engines is “on occasion”.

Avionics

The cockpit features the Honeywell Primus 2000 avionics package, with six 8 x 7 inch CRT displays arranged in left- and right-side groups of three. Primary flight displays are located outermost in the panel and multifunction displays and engine instrument/crew alerting systems displays are inboard. The standard FMS is the Honeywell-Marconi 12-channel Global Satellite System Navigation Unit, whose three control display units (CDU’s) also control the triple Laseref III inertial reference systems. Primus II radio management units control remote-mounted integrated communications and navigation radios, dual HF radios, and TCAS. Optional equipment includes dual MLS receivers and the Honeywell Lightning Sensor System.

Design Features

The Global Express is an ultra long-range, transcontinental and intercontinental executive transport aircraft configured as a cantilever low swept-wing monoplane with swept T-tail section. The wing is designed for high-speed, high-altitude cruise, with a sweep back of 35 degrees, a high ratio root-to-tip taper, and high aspect ratio. In order to lower takeoff and landings speeds, it has four sections of aluminum slats per side in addition to three sections of single-slotted Fowler flaps per side. Flaps and the numerous panels of ground spoilers and multifunction spoileron/speed brakes atop each wing are of composite construction. The aft fuselage section is area-ruled to reduce drag. The retractable tricycle landing gear utilizes dual wheels on each unit.

Accomodations

The Global Express can be configured for typical seating and sleeping accommodations for eight passengers and four crew members, including two relief crew members, and incorporates the amenities appropriate for ultra long-range intercontinental legs. The internal cabin width is 8.17ft. (floor width 6.92 ft.), cabin height is 6.25ft., and cabin length is 48ft. The baggage compartment has a capacity of 324 cubic ft.