Nexcelle has marked a new milestone with the Global 7500 business jet's certification, which becomes the first aircraft approved for operational service with a nacelle system produced by the joint venture of Middle River Aircraft Systems and Safran Nacelles.

Based on the Global 7500's receipt of its type certificate on September 28 by Transport Canada – Canada's airworthiness authority – this long-range Bombardier-built twin-engine aircraft is cleared for its service entry later this year.

The nacelle is a key element of the Global 7500, coming together with GE Aviation's Passport turbofan engine as business aviation's first truly integrated propulsion system (IPS). This results from the close working relationship of the Nexcelle joint venture's MRAS/Safran Nacelles partner companies with GE Aviation as the powerplant manufacturer.

Key features of Nexcelle's nacelle include a simplified composite fan cowl that allows for improved maintenance and reduced system weight; a one-piece extended aluminum inlet lip-outer barrel for reduced aerodynamic drag; an innovative anti-ice system that uses a directed flow nozzle concept; and a 360-degree, single-piece extended composite inner barrel incorporating advanced acoustic protection for lower engine noise levels.

Also incorporated are a target-type thrust reverser with fixed nozzle that provides lower weight, as well as movable kicker plates for enhanced thrust reverser performance.

With its announcement of the Global 7500's certification, Bombardier reported that its five flight test vehicles have accumulated more than 2,700 flight test hours in a comprehensive testing program. In addition to the business jet's extended flight range of 7,700 nautical miles, the Global 7500 has exceeded the takeoff and landing performance commitments – to which the Passport integrated propulsion system makes an important contribution.