Ahead of the game

Expectations for new and more eco-friendly aircraft designs of the future mean that the Bombardier CSeries manufacturing programme has a lot to live up to. Mike Richardson looks at the programme's latest developments...

Expectations for new and more eco-friendly aircraft designs of the future mean that the Bombardier CSeries manufacturing programme has a lot to live up to. Mike Richardson looks at the programme's latest developments to see what the Bombardier team has learnt from previous programme introductions. With the launch of any new generation of commercial aircraft comes a weight of expectation that can hang heavy over a programme's efforts to get it off the ground. At a time when the global recession sees the aviation industry undergoing one of the most serious and prolonged bouts of turbulence in its history, the risks and rewards are brought into sharp focus for any airline operator looking at new technology. And yet the promise of huge savings in operating costs as a result of what Bombardier calls its ‘game-changing' strategy means that the launch of its new CSeries has become a symbol of next generation technology for the single aisle commercial jet market. So how is Bombardier planning to stay ahead of the game? Well, in comparison with traditional airframes, the programme has come under close aviation industry scrutiny by claiming CSeries airframe weight savings through the introduction of advanced materials comprising 46% composite and 24% aluminium lithium alloy, as well as up to 15% improved cash operating costs. Add to this the two Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1000G engines, which offer savings in fuel, noise reduction, up to 20% less CO2 and up to 50% less NOX, plus the very latest in integrated avionics, electric brakes, and an advanced flight deck using fly-by-wire with side sticks, and you begin to see why Bombardier is touting the CSeries as a game-changer. Tried and trusted As director of design engineering and technology development, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, Gavin Campbell is well positioned to bring us up to date with the CSeries' progress. The Belfast operation is responsible for the design, development and manufacture of composite wings for the new aircraft, which is specifically targeted at the 100-149 seat market. “The programme has closed out the joint concept definition phase (JCDP), which has been completed on schedule and has moved into the joint definition phase (JDP),” he begins. “We are now working with our programme partners to develop the concepts we devised during the JCDP and ‘flesh out' the design of the aircraft in an advanced stage of definition. JDP will run until next year when we enter the detailed design phase (DDP), which is where we actually produce detailed CATIA definitions of every individual part for the aircraft.” At this point, it's worth noting whether there has been a major paradigm shift in the CSeries' production development compared with previous Bombardier introductions. Have any lessons been learnt and what has Bombardier tried to do differently this time around? “Bombardier has many years of involvement in multi-partner programmes so it's simply a case of building on past experiences,” he continues. “For example, the concept of a global supply chain and integrating various risk sharing partners is nothing new to Bombardier. We have established a business model and an organisational culture that strives to improve our processes and the way we do business. This theme of continuous improvement is a very important part of the way we approach our programmes. “Obviously there are new technology innovations in terms of the extended use of composites and other advanced materials in the CSeries aircraft, plus the fact that we have new powerplant technology. These introductions are being managed with the tried and trusted processes we have used on other programmes to help us to better risk manage our overall business plan.” In addition to the wings being produced in Belfast, the CSeries' final assembly will take place at a new Bombardier facility in Mirabel, with the design and manufacture of the aircraft's aft fuselage and cockpit at its Saint-Laurent facility - both sites located in the greater Montreal area. But in establishing a network of suppliers and partners with a strong technical capability and a proven track record, the formation of the CSeries supply chain needs a number of issues to be taken into consideration. “We want partners as opposed to suppliers,” Campbell affirms. “We are looking for a fresh outlook and an innate ability to engage in the kind of business relationships we are trying to establish. We don't just want financial partners – we're looking for a genuine meeting of minds in terms of our partnership arrangements. We expect our partners to be challenging and pushing us all the way in terms of the technologies and concepts they are bringing forward. This is why the formation of partnerships and the signing of contracts can be a lengthy process because we need to get to know each other and decide what ideas have value, because it has to be right for both parties.” Right time, right aircraft Having secured firm aircraft orders from launch customer Deutsche Lufthansa AG for up to 60 CSeries aircraft, and up to 40 CSeries aircraft from launch leasing company customer Lease Corporation International Group (LCI) earlier this year, Campbell says Bombardier is on track for the CSeries to enter service during the second half of 2013. “Over 150 airlines are showing strong interest in the CSeries family of aircraft,” he concludes, “and given the current economic crisis, we're very proud of this achievement. We understand that difficult market conditions do create additional challenges for any airline. However, we remain committed to the entry into service in 2013 and our organisation is very focused on how it best meets the challenges ahead. “Our view is that a more flexible and economical aircraft like the CSeries can really help airlines achieve profitability and their business objectives. Yes, there are matters of timing around the programme, given the current climate, but we understand the external influences and will continue to keep on top of the emerging global situation - this will always remain part of our business planning process. Right now, we believe we have the right aircraft coming into service at the right time to meet customers' requirements in virtually every corner of the globe.” www.bombardier.com

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