Bombardier subsidiaries have three specific roles in the project: Canadair is the design leader and manufactures the nose; Short Brothers, Belfast is responsible for the design and manufacture of the engine nacelles, horizontal stabiliser and forward fuselage; and de Havilland Canada builds the rear fuselage and vertical tail and carries out final assembly. The major external supplier is Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries which builds the wing and centre fuselage sections.
The Global Express is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofans.
Global Express XRS
The Global Express XRS is an improved version of the original aircraft, offering higher cruise speed, increased range, improved cabin layout and lighting. It is reported that the letters have no significance, but were chosen by focus groups simply to improve the brand image. The range increase is achieved by addition of a 1,486 lb (674 kg) fuel tank at the wing root. The Global Express XRS entered service in early 2006. The unit price is estimated to be $45.5 million (US). Bombardier claims it takes 15 minutes less to fuel the XRS than the original model thanks to improved computer systems and mechanical refinements.
Global 5000
The Global 5000 is built on the same production line as the Global Express XRS, and the two types' serial numbers are intermingled. The aircraft is manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace in Toronto, Canada, and flown "green" to Montreal, St. Louis or Savannah for final completion.
The Global 5000 can fly close to 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km) nonstop at Mach .80. The average trip lengths for most operators is 2.5 hours where the aircraft will cruise between Mach .85 and Mach .89, making it one of the fastest long range jets available today.
Typical configuration features 13 - 15 passenger seats including fully berthable seats and an aft lounge/bedroom. The aircraft has a full galley and two lavatories. The crew rest area was removed, but is being considered on newer versions).
Originally, the maximum takeoff weight was 89,700 lb (40,700 kg). With typical equipment and passenger accoutrements, the empty weight was 52,000 - 55,000 pounds (22600 - 25000 kg). In April 2008, Bombardier announced that the certified gross weight had been increased to 92,500 lb (41954 kg), which permitted an increased fuel load - projected maximum range increased to 5,200 nm (9637 km).
The maximum certified altitude is 51,000 ft (16,000 m) The typical approach speed is 108 knots (200 km/h) requiring approximately 2,600 feet (790 m) of runway for landing. |
