The cooperation between FACC and Bombardier Aerospace shows an extremely positive progression. The Canadian aircraft manufacturer has selected FACC as supply partner for its new aircraft families CSeries and Global 7000/Global 8000. FACC is responsible for the development and manufacture of the wing-to-body fairings for the two aircraft models, which are currently in the development phase.

"Whether it is particular swiftness in development and implementation that is called for, as in the case of Bombardier's CSeries, or the attainment of high weight reduction targets, as in the Global 7000 and Global 8000 models: we offer tailor-made concepts for all requirements and are a reliable partner for the new civil aircraft of Bombardier," says Walter Stephan, CEO of the FACC AG, about FACC's special services.

FACC's scope of work for both programs includes component development and analysis, definition and procurement of production tools, component testing and certification to series production. The wing-to-body fairings are aerostructures that are positioned at the aircraft belly and serve as connection of the two wings with the fuselage section of the aircraft.

With the two contracts the longstanding cooperation which dates back to the end of the 1990s is successfully expanded. Back then FACC developed the wing-to-body fairings for the business jet Bombardier Challenger 300. Since the year 2000, FACC has supplied the wing-to-body fairings for this aircraft model that is still being series produced today. In addition, FACC manufactures cabin equipment for the Challenger 300, the Learjet family and the Global 7000/Global 8000. “FACC's reliable performance and partnership were fundamental drivers in Bombardier's decision to again contract FACC within the scope of its current passenger aircraft development projects,” adds Walter Stephan.

CSeries: challenging timeframe

The CSeries is Bombardier's new family of regional jets. Dimensioned for 110 to 160 passengers, this series of aircraft models produced by the Canadian manufacturer aims to set the standards for travel comfort, but also for low operating costs, eco-friendliness, and fuel savings. FACC clearly set an industry benchmark with its implementation of this project. Only 10 months passed from the time of the acceptance of the development work at the end of 2011, to the signing of the contract in March 2012, and through to industrialization. The 15m long fairing elements, consisting of 73 composite assemblies, are made at FACC Aerostructures in Ried, Austria. For the implementation, FACC was able to leverage synergies with the Challenger project and benefit from its vast experience in the fairings segment.

Global 7000/Global 8000: weight reduction as a parameter

Also, from a global perspective, the new Global 7000 and Global 8000 corporate jets are in a class of their own. They permit transoceanic nonstop flights in the highest travel comfort. This way, they link Los Angeles – Sydney, Hong Kong – New York and Mumbai – New York. With a cruise speed of 0.85 mach, the Global 8000, for example, has a range of over 14,600 km. It is obvious that every single gram on this plane counts, including those on the wing-to-body fairings. Consequently, the expectations FACC's development team has to satisfy are commensurately high.

After the comprehensive technical requirements were defined and negotiated, the collocation phase with a team from FACC started in summer 2012 in Montreal. By March, the project entered the detail design phase. The production and industrialization of the components has been scheduled for the end of 2013 in order to ensure the delivery of the first wing-to-body fairing by February 2014. Technically, the wing-to-body fairing of the Global 7000/Global 8000 is lighter, and, with its 16 m design length, also longer than that of the CSeries.

The guarantee for the successful development of the wing-to-body fairings is FACC's distinct leadership in technologies and solutions as a systems integrator in combination with excellent team work and the tireless commitment of FACC's staff. Also, all people at FACC who are involved in these projects attest to the good cooperation with Bombardier.