After launching the Global 7000 and 8000 ultra-long-range business jet programs in September 2010, Bombardier expects to fly the first Global 7000 flight-test vehicle (FTV) next year. This timeline supports the goal of Global 7000 entry into service in 2016, followed a year later by the Global 8000.

The first Global 7000 FTV is under construction, at both Bombardier and supplier facilities. Bombardier’s plant in Querétaro, Mexico, is building the rear fuselage and the company’s facility in St.-Laurent, Canada is manufacturing the cockpit. In Méaulte, France, Aerolia is assembling the first center fuselage, while the wings are under construction at Triumph Aerostructures in Red Oak, Texas.

Design of the Global 7000 is progressing, according to a Bombardier spokeswoman. “Our product development team and our suppliers are making progress, as planned, with the majority of the production drawings already released. The Global 7000/8000 program has started the transition from the detailed design phase to the product-definition release phase.”

Bombardier declined to say how many FTVs it plans to build. “The experimental and ground test teams are progressing on the design and build of the various ground test rigs that will be used throughout the development and certification of the aircraft,” said the spokeswoman.

Bombardier and supplier teams are co-located at Bombardier’s Product Development Centre in Montréal. Final assembly will take place at Bombardier’s Toronto facility, where assembly tooling and equipment is being prepared for the program.

The fly-by-wire Global 7000 and 8000 share the same 16,500-pound-thrust GE Passport 20 engine, which is on schedule for certification in 2015. The Global 7000 is the larger of the two jets and will offer range of 7,300 nm (10 passengers, four crew, Mach 0.85). The shorter Global 8000 will fly 7,900 nm under the same parameters, except with eight passengers.

The Rockwell Pro Line Fusion-based Bombardier Vision flight deck will feature control sticks instead of yokes. However, Bombardier will not say whether the sticks will be tied together electronically, as they will be in Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600, or move independently like the typical Airbus configuration.