Bombardier’s Continental business jet has successfully completed its first flight. The event occurred in accordance with the programme schedule established at its official launch more than two years ago. The aircraft is on schedule for type certification in the third quarter of 2002, with initial deliveries following soon afterwards. Rockwell Collins, as the aircraft’s avionics system integrator, is responsible for all aspects of the avionics programme, from design through to certification.

Bombardier plans to use five aircraft in the flight test programme, each fully equipped with the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite.

The flight deck layout includes four 12-inch by 10-inch liquid crystal flight displays, consolidated control panels and integrates a number of advanced technologies.

During the course of its maiden flight, the Continental jet reached an altitude of 17,500 feet and a speed of 210 knots.