CSeries FTV1 returns to flight

The third CSeries aircraft, and first to fly, FTV1 has had repairs completed, and returned to flight. It was moved to Wichita after being returned to service. Three aircraft are now flying there. They have completed 120 hours of flight testing since they returned to flight, while the entire program has only accrued 450 hours since September of 2013.

The fleet was grounded after FTV1 suffered damage to the wing in an uncontained failure of the #1 PW1500G engine. The low pressure turbine shattered during a ground test on May 29th, leading to a redesign of the oil lubrication system.

Currently FTV1, and 4 are flying from WItchita, with FTV3 expected to start flying from there soon, after undergoing extensive modification. FTV2 is flying from Mirabel, and FTV5, which will be the first with a cabin, should be flying by the end of the year.

Wing repaired and engines modified, the first CSeries airliner returned to flight on November 6 and two days later was ferried to Bombardier’s test center in Wichita, joining two other aircraft.

But while flight testing is finally gathering momentum after delays, the Canadian manufacturer says it will not ramp up the production line until mid-2015 at the earliest.

FTV1 is the third CSeries to return to flight after the fleet was grounded on May 29 following the uncontained failure of a Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan during ground testing.

aviationweek.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

It's a nice looking jet. The nose reminds me of the 787. With the fuel savings Bombardier’s claiming over the 737 and A320, it will be interesting to see that taken into consideration when Boeing rolls out the 737 replacement. Possibly pushing up Boeing's time line a little?

This jet looks like the Bombardier version of the Embraer EMB 170.

BTW, happy veteran's day to all the guys on ATS.