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The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) joined forces with Bombardier and L-3 MAS to certify the winglet structure of Bombardier’s newest business jet, the Challenger 350.
The collaboration of these industry leaders yielded a customized platform to validate Bombardier’s analyses and demonstrate the strength of the new components under the highest expected service loads to meet Transport Canada certification requirements. The testing program proceeded in two phases: first in 2012, the test rig was designed by L-3 MAS in consultation with NRC and delivered to NRC’s full-scale test facility in Ottawa, where flight loading tests were successfully conducted. The winglet was then certified as safe for a series of flight tests on Bombardier’s aircraft in Wichita, Kan.
The second phase began in 2013 when L-3 MAS completed the first production wing and winglet joining to be mounted on the test rig. The assembly was tested to its limit flight loads to simulate what may be expected during the aircraft’s lifetime. All testing was completed in January 2014, in accordance with the program timeline.
“At NRC, we understand the complexity in testing aerospace structures. We are working with our clients to develop tailored testing designs and methodologies that will reduce the time it takes to validate products, leading to faster market entry,” said John R. McDougall, president of the National Research Council of Canada. “This collaboration is an opportunity for NRC to provide Bombardier with innovative solutions to complete their certification testing on time, while ensuring the safety of its jet.”
Bombardier’s newest entry in the super mid-size business jet class, the Challenger 350 was launched on May 20, 2013 at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland. It features increased performance from new engines and a new canted winglet design. As of May 2014, the aircraft has secured hundreds of orders, valued in the billions of dollars.
