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UP THERE, TO SEE
THE GLOBE
Bombardier’s Global family is now fully operative. Fast, twin-engine business jets offering extraordinary comfort and practicality. Top-quality avionics and connectivity, plus a record maximum operating altitude of over 15,500 km
by Sergio Barlocchetti Ph. by courtesy of Bombardier
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n 2010 Canada’s Bombardier company launched one
with this potential problem by designing a transonic wing
of the most wide-ranging manufacturing projects
with highly advanced aerodynamics. As a result Global
in the history of business aviation. Its Global family
series aircraft can fly fast while operating on relatively
comprises four models (the 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000),
short runways, enabling them to land at more destinations
and although completion has been behind schedule – for
and in places where their competitors cannot set down.
some models around two years – as is often the case for all
The Global 7000 lifts off in less than 1,800 metres and
new, innovative aircraft, the Global series is finally almost
can land in less than 800 metres. Another characteristic of
complete and ready to begin its operational career. The
the Global family is their fly-by-wire controls, and cockpit
original brief was for a series of medium-large, twin-engine
systems integrated into the aircraft to provide a latest
business jets with a long range and a cabin that allows its
generation person-machine interface. Aircraft of this type
occupants to stand up straight and enjoy larger spaces than
must offer cabin furnishings of exceptional quality and
those offered by rival aircraft. Such features often have a
functionality – Bombardier has inserted generous windows
negative impact on performance, but Bombardier has dealt
along the entire fuselage, whose living area is divided into
A luxurious flying transatlantic apartment/ office. The passenger area on board a Global jet is divided into three suites that can be configured to reflect the client’s tastes and requirements. Four Global models are now in service – the 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000
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The large windows along the entire fuselage increase interior light and comfort. In order to achieve optimum standards of performance and comfort Bombardier has designed an advanced transonic wing that also enables the aircraft to operate on relatively short runways
three suites that can be configured to reflect the client’s tastes and
range with eight passengers (the maximum on the Global 7000 is
requirements. With this much space available (Cabin height 6 ft 3 in,
seventeen) and four crew. The idea of flying a Global is sure to bring
width 8 ft 2 in, length 45 ft 7 in from cockpit divider to aft- most cabin
a smile to your pilot’s face. Synthetic Vision, Head-up Display, infra-
without baggage compartment) and an intended role as transatlantic
red Enhanced Vision System (EVS), Graphical Flight Planning and
flying apartment/office, a Global aircraft has to offer a high level of
all other avionics functions are state-of-the-art. Globals also offer
connectivity. In this case, that includes videoconferencing facilities
record-breaking operating altitudes – they can fly at over FL510
through high-speed satellite connections. Taking a shower, relaxing
(over 15 km), well above commercial traffic and at a height where
in a real bed and arriving at your destination feeling spry and well-
the curvature of the Earth can clearly be seen. The cost is just over
rested are all easy on a Global. There’s also a crew rest area, but
70 million dollars for a Global 7000 and 8000, depending on options,
with a range of 7,900 miles on routes like Los Angeles-Dubai and
with the smaller Global 5000 and 6000, already in service, going
San Paolo-Sidney, two pilots aren’t enough. Such a long stretch can
for 63 million. If you order one now, though, you could be fiftieth in
be covered at a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 (maximum speed Mach
line, and waiting times are beginning to stretch out. On 30 January
0.925). This high performance is enabled by the General Electric
last the fifth example of the Global 7000 took to the air for the first
Passport engines, which on the Global 7000 model generate 73kN
time, the last intended for flight tests and certification.
of thrust, covering a maximum distance of 14,630 km, the operating
www.businessaircraft.bombardier.com
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