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Read the original first flight press release:
Major Milestone In The Development Of The Multipurpose Version Of The Bombardier 415 Aircraft
March 11, 2002 -- Bombardier Aerospace announced the successful first flight of the newest member of its family of unique amphibious aircraft: the Bombardier 415 MP (Multi-Purpose).The aircraft departed Bombardier's facility at North Bay Airport on March 6, 2002, at 10:45 EST for a two-hour-35-minute flight. The first test card in the SAR configuration was completed successfully. The aircraft's handling qualities were unchanged by the additional external shapes, reported Capt. Ron Haughton.
The certification flight-testing program will focus on aerodynamic aspects and handling characteristics of the new version of the aircraft, which will log approximately 200 flight hours prior to certification by Transport Canada.
A variant of the Bombardier 415, best known as the world's only purpose-built fire fighting aircraft, the Bombardier 415 MP incorporates a variety of sensors that will permit numerous applications including search and rescue, coastal patrol, environmental monitoring and control of illegal immigration, etc.. The aircraft is the first of two Bombardier 415 MP that will be delivered to a European customer following the completion of the certification program in May 2003.
In addition to its normal firefighting equipment, the Bombardier 415 MP carries sophisticated sensors to help its crew locate and identify vessels, personnel in distress, pollutants as well as other surface targets. Specialized sensors include: a forward-looking infrared (FLIR), side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), as well as conventional, nose-mounted search radar.
"The Bombardier 415 MP is a very capable and cost-effective aircraft suited to carrying out a variety of specialized missions previously assigned to dedicated aircraft and crews," said Tom Appleton, president, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft. "The advent of this new model reflects both growing market interest in this technology as well as Bombardier's commitment to keeping its products current through continuing investment."
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader in the design, and manufacture of innovative aviation products and services for the regional, business and amphibious aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet fractional ownership, aircraft charter and management, technical services, aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service company, is a world leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It is also a provider of financial services and asset management. The Corporation employs 79,000 people in 24 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific and its revenues for its fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2001 totaled $16.1 billion Cdn.
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Last updated 26 March 2002
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