NRC, Bombardier and L-3 MAS join forces to get Challenger 350 aircraft off the ground

Canadian collaboration provides innovative and on-time testing solutions

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) joined forces with Bombardier Aerospace and L-3 MAS to certify the winglet structure of Bombardier Aerospace'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, Kansas.

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 aircraft was launched on May 20, 2013 at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland. Certification of the aircraft was received from Transport Canada on June 14, 2014, shortly followed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification on June 25, 2014 and official entry-intro-service on June 27, 2014. It features new engines and redesigned canted winglets which provide increased performance, efficiency and extended range.

For more information visit our Aerospace research and development expertise website.