The Global 7000 business jet, which is equipped with Nexcelle's nacelle system on its two Passport turbofan engines, has become the largest and the longest-range business jet ever built, according to new performance numbers released by its manufacturer, Canada's Bombardier.

With more than 1,800 hours of flight testing logged using a fleet of five FTVs (flight test vehicles), Bombardier reports the Global 7000 is capable of flying 300 nautical miles farther than the initial commitment. This provides a range out to 7,700 nautical miles, connecting more city pairs than any other business aircraft – as validated by long-distance demonstration flights already accomplished to such destinations as Sydney, Dubai and Hawaii.

"An aircraft's performance depends on numerous factors, including the engines and nacelle system," explained Nexcelle President Kenneth Onderko. "The Nexcelle joint venture is proud to play a key role in the Global 7000's globe-circling range by supplying a quality nacelle system for business aviation's first truly integrated propulsion system."

Features of Nexcelle's nacelle system for the 16,500 lbf.-thrust Passport engines include an extensive use of composites for reduced weight, which includes its large two-piece fan cowl doors that facilitate access to the engine for inspection and maintenance.

Other elements are a 360-degree single-piece extended inner barrel integrating advanced acoustic protection for lower engine noise levels, a one-piece aluminum inlet lip for reduced aerodynamic drag; an innovative anti-ice system that utilizes the directed flow nozzle concept; and the target-type thrust reverser with a fixed nozzle for lower weight and reverse thrust efficiency.

As Bombardier continues on track for the initial Global 7000 handover to a customer during the second half of 2018, Nexcelle's two joint venture companies are now providing production-definition nacelle hardware to equip the initial series-production business jets. GE Aviation's Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) is providing its elements as the program leader from the Middle River facility in the Baltimore, Maryland area of the U.S.; while Safran Nacelles is delivering from its Le Havre manufacturing site in France's Normandy region.