Bombardier Aviation’s (Booth C7508, Static SD701) Global 5500 will have slightly greater range than first anticipated, the Canadian airframer announced Monday at NBAA-BACE 2019. The new member of the Global family will fly 200 nm farther—to 5,900 nm at Mach 0.85.
"We are thrilled to offer this extended range to our customers,” said Bombardier Aviation president David Coleal. “The rigor and innovation behind our Global 5500 aircraft design and test program have allowed us to deliver enhanced performance without compromise. Not only are we standing by our commitment of certifying and bringing to market an exceptional aircraft on time, we are exceeding expectations along the way.” Coleal added the 5500's extended range was discovered during its flight test program involving two flight test vehicles.
The 5500’s adjusted range gives it 700 nm more range than its closest competitor, Bombardier said, and the capability of flying nonstop from Western Europe to the U.S. West Coast. The upgraded variant of the Global 5000 includes Rolls-Royce’s Pearl 15 engines, advanced wing design, built-in systems redundancy, and the Nuage chaise, a lounge chair that converts into a flat surface for sleeping or banquet-style dining. The 5500 and its slightly larger cousin, the 6500, were both recently awarded European Union Aviation Safety Agency validation following Transport Canada certification. The 6500, which entered service on September 30, is making its NBAA static display debut at Henderson Executive Airport. The 6500 has entered service and Coleal said the company is striving for service entry of the 5500 by the end of the year.