Bombardier Aerospace announced today that the hydraulic system for its all-new CSeries aircraft has been commissioned on "Aircraft 0"– the company's on-the-ground systems test rig. Along with the electrical system, which was commissioned earlier this year, the hydraulic system will permit enhanced validation testing of the CSeries family of aircraft's integrated systems prior to first flight. This is an important milestone that now allows for the operation of the actuation systems for the aircraft's flight control surfaces, thrust reversers and landing gear.

The successful commissioning of the hydraulic system was supported by Parker Aerospace - the contracted supplier of the hydraulic work package - and other structural and system suppliers that delivered the components and tubing parts that run throughout the complete aircraft.

"Excitement in the development of the CSeries aircraft keeps building as 'Aircraft 0' matures and provides us with the ability to collect more data in sophisticated areas – particularly as we prepare to power up the flight systems. The commissioning of the hydraulic system on 'Aircraft 0' moves us along in the schedule as we drive towards first flight of our CSeries aircraft," said Rob Dewar, Vice President and General Manager, CSeries, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Every week, the testing and delivery of key components and systems from our suppliers around the globe helps make the CSeries aircraft real. Bombardier's collaborative approach to supply chain management is showing real benefits and delivering outstanding results as the progress continues and specific systems are powered up for on-the-ground validation."

Also known as the Complete Integrated Aircraft Systems Test Area, "Aircraft 0" is located at the company's Mirabel, Québec facility, 40 km north of Montréal. The progressive commissioning of the systems will be ongoing throughout the year to ensure continued aircraft validation on the ground, prior to flight testing.