By Brent Bundy | May 24, 2022 Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 5 seconds.
Updating the press on the latest at Bombardier during this year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) were Michel Ouellette, executive VP of engineering, programs, and Bombardier Defense, and Stephen McCullough, VP of engineering and chief of aircraft design and development. Perhaps the most intriguing part of their presentation was front and center on the stage: the debut of the EcoJet blended-wing research project. The model on display, along with photographic mockups and an in-flight video, shows a novel approach to business aviation aircraft. Although there are no production plans for the innovative design, a scale model has been used for flight testing to advance other aspects of existing Bombardier jets.
Other big news for the company was the unveiling of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the upcoming Challenger 3500. The document, which provides environmental transparency, is a five-step process that includes evaluation and every phase of the development and manufacture of the aircraft — as well as its impact on the environment from raw materials to retirement.
The excruciatingly detailed document is part of Bombardier’s commitment to sustainability and follows in the footsteps of the company’s first EPD on the Global 7500, which was released two years ago. All Bombardier aircraft will continue in this tradition.
Furthering its sustainability goals, Bombardier recently unveiled the Eco App, a flight planning application that takes into account the environmental impact of the flight and makes recommendations for more efficient plans.
Continuing with the Challenger 3500, Ouellette confirmed that the autothrottle system received Transport Canada certification in April 2022 and that the program is on track with expected first deliveries in the second half this year. Once in the air, the 3500 will carry on the Challenger family name as one of the most successful lines in the super-midsize category.
