Heavy ground testing puts Airbus’ BelugaXL on track for first flight

Press release







In preparation for its upcoming maiden flight, Airbus’ first BelugaXL is now in its heavy ground test phase – which focuses on the highly modified airframe for this next-generation oversize cargo airlifter.

According to ground test project leader Mathieu Laemle, a total of 72 development and certification ground tests must be performed before the BelugaXL’s high-profile first flight, which is planned for this summer. “With more than 48 tests already completed, we are on time,” he added. “The big challenge was to be able to anticipate or modify the test scheduling so as not to impact final assembly.”

Airbus has succeeded in keeping things on track thanks to early analysis of the requirements and excellent multidisciplinary collaboration between the design office, laboratories, tests and programme teams.

Intensive testing for the BelugaXL

Heavy ground tests started with the team weighing the no. 1 BelugaXL at “pitch zero” and then at “pitch nine,” lifting the aircraft’s nose by 3.5 metres to determine the empty weight centre of gravity. Next, they performed the standard loads and horizontal tailplane tests, which were followed by separate evaluations involving the dorsal fin and vertical tailplane.

The heavy ground test phase involves carrying out tests on the aircraft that would usually be conducted on a static cell. “It is unusual for us to perform tests like load calibration using the generalised finite element method of analysis on an aircraft which will fly, as we usually use a dedicated clean aircraft without any systems inside,” explained BelugaXL aircraft configuration leader Arnaud Puyo.

With the loads calibration test campaign completed, the team then began ground vibration testing performed in conjunction with the French ONERA aerospace research centre and DLR, the German aerospace research centre. The eight-day ground vibration campaign, which began 28 May, saw the BelugaXL tested while both empty and fully loaded. The activity required one week of intensive preparation during which the aircraft was put on pneumatic suspension and special shakers were installed to make it move.

The team identified 30 different locations for the 80-kg. shakers and during tests lasting two-to-three hours, sensors inside and outside the aircraft measured the structure’s response. Vibration data from the test are used in validating and improving structural dynamic models for the aircraft.

Looking ahead

With the ground vibration tests now complete, subsequent steps ahead of the aircraft’s maiden flight include validating the flight test instrumentation and applying the BelugaXL’s special “smiling” livery.

Starting in mid-2019, the BelugaXL will gradually replace the existing five-member Beluga ST fleet – which is used for carrying complete sections of Airbus aircraft from different production sites around Europe to the final assembly lines in Toulouse, France and Hamburg, Germany.


Photos and Video here: http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2018/06/heavy-ground-testing-puts-airbus--belugaxl-on-track-for-first-fl.html

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Airbus will take Majority Control Of Bombardier C Series On July 1

Press Releases:
Airbus:

• Airbus to acquire majority stake in the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership, effective July 1, 2018
• All regulatory approvals required for the closing of the transaction have been obtained
• Partnership head office, leadership team and primary final assembly line located in Mirabel, Québec (representing some 2,200 employees and subcontractors), with the support of the C Series global supply chain
• Partnership brings together two complementary product lines, with 100-150 seat market segment projected to represent 6,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years
• Addition of Airbus’ global reach to create significant value for C Series’ customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders and communities
• Significant C Series production efficiencies anticipated by leveraging Airbus’ production ramp-up expertise
• Growing market for C Series to support second Final Assembly Line in Alabama, serving U.S. customers

Amsterdam / Montreal, June 8, 2018 – Having received all required regulatory approvals, Airbus SE (EPA: AIR), Bombardier Inc. (TSX: BBD.B) and Investissement Québec (IQ) have agreed to close the C Series transaction effective on July 1, 2018. The transaction by which Airbus will acquire a majority stake in the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP) was initially announced in October 2017. The Mirabel-based partnership, which was originally established between Bombardier and IQ, will benefit from Airbus’ global reach, scale, procurement organization and expertise in selling, marketing and producing the C Series – a state-of-the-art jet aircraft family in the 100-150 seat market.

Airbus will work with its partners Bombardier and IQ to fully unlock the C Series’ potential and create significant new value for customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders and the communities in which the partnership operates. The partnership’s head office, primary assembly line and related functions will be based in Mirabel, Québec.

As previously announced, Bombardier will continue with its current funding plan of CSALP. Due to the early closing of the partnership, the terms of this plan are updated according to the following schedule: Bombardier will fund the cash shortfalls of CSALP, if required, during the second half of 2018, up to a maximum of US$225 million; during 2019, up to a maximum of US$350 million; and up to a maximum aggregate amount of US$350 million over the following two years, in consideration for non-voting participating shares of CSALP with cumulative annual dividends of 2%. Any excess shortfall during such periods will be shared proportionately amongst CSALP’s Class A shareholders. Airbus will consolidate CSALP effective from July 1, 2018 onwards. Further financial information on the transaction will be provided later this year.

The C series program continues to ramp up. Having delivered 17 aircraft in 2017, it is gearing up to double its deliveries in 2018.

With the C Series’ demonstrated in-service performance and the finalization of this partnership, the parties expect increased demand to support a second C Series Final Assembly Line in Mobile, Alabama, dedicated to supplying U.S.-based customers. The C Series is positioned to capture a large percentage of the estimated 6,000 aircraft needed in this market segment over the next 20 years.

Airbus Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders said: “This partnership extends our commitment to Québec and to all of Canadian aerospace, and we are very glad to welcome so many C Series teammates into the extended Team Airbus. The strength of the entire Airbus organization will be behind the C Series. Not only will that enable this outstanding aircraft to fulfill its market potential, but we are convinced the addition of the C Series to our overall aircraft product offering brings significant value to Airbus, our customers and shareholders.”

“This marks the beginning of a very exciting new chapter for the C Series and the Canadian Aerospace industry,” said Alain Bellemare, Bombardier President and Chief Executive Officer. “The C Series is widely recognized as the most advanced and efficient aircraft in its class and this partnership will ensure its commercial success. Airbus’ unmatched global scale, strong customer relationships and operational expertise are necessary ingredients for unleashing the full value of the aircraft. Together, we will create tremendous new value and opportunities for airlines, suppliers, shareholders and employees.”

“By combining the world’s most innovative and efficient aerospace technology – designed and engineered in Québec – with Airbus’ market and expertise, we are creating a brand new dynamic in a promising segment,” noted Québec’s Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy Dominique Anglade. “Above all, we are ensuring the growth of the C Series and securing the more than 2,000 jobs attached to it in Mirabel. In addition to maintaining the C Series’ head office, engineering and R&D activities in Québec, this partnership positions Montréal as Airbus’ largest research and development centre outside Europe, representing tremendous opportunities for our entire aerospace industry.”

“The C Series team in Québec is proud to participate in this opportunity to drive the success of this amazing aircraft,” said Philippe Balducchi, CEO of the C Series partnership. “Our teams have worked tirelessly to merge cultures and bring operations together well ahead of schedule and are confident in our ability to make this win-win partnership a thriving commercial success. The composition of the C Series leadership team reflects our principles of bringing together the best talent that both sides have to offer. We are ready to turn outward and help our customers get their hands on the hottest aircraft in its segment.”



Bombardier

June 8, 2018 Montréal Bombardier Inc.,  Press Release

• C Series financials to be de-consolidated from Bombardier’s results starting July 1, 2018
• Consolidated EBIT(1) guidance increased to a range of $900M to $1.0B, and revenue guidance reduced to a range of $16.5B to $17.0B, mainly reflecting de-consolidation of C Series results for the remainder of 2018
• Full-year consolidated free cash flow(1) guidance is reaffirmed
• Full year guidance for Commercial Aircraft segment is withdrawn; Regional aircraft delivery guidance of approximately 35 aircraft for 2018 is reaffirmed

Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) and Airbus have agreed to close the C Series partnership on July 1, 2018 after having received all required regulatory approvals.

“Closing the Airbus partnership ahead of the original schedule positions us to accelerate value creation for our shareholders as we combine the innovative C Series aircraft with the global scale and reach of Airbus,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “With this milestone achieved, we are focused on capturing growth opportunities across the portfolio and delivering our remaining turnaround plan objectives.”

The partnership with Airbus will close and be effective July 1, 2018. Consequently, Bombardier will de-consolidate C Series financial results starting July 1, 2018. As a result of closing earlier than originally expected, Bombardier is withdrawing its full year guidance for its Commercial Aircraft segment. However, the company reaffirms its regional aircraft delivery guidance of approximately 35 aircraft for 2018 and expects to provide updated 2018 segment guidance for revenue and EBIT when it announces second quarter results on August 2, 2018.

Closing ahead of schedule will result in expected revenues for 2018 in a range of $16.5 billion to $17 billion, as C Series revenues from and after July 1, 2018 will no longer be consolidated in Bombardier’s financial results and sales from Aerostructures and Engineering Services to CSALP will no longer be inter-segment. Full year consolidated EBIT for Bombardier Inc. is expected to increase to a range of $900 million to $1.0 billion as C Series program results will no longer be fully recognized after closing. Further adjustments to the equity pick-up of CSALP’s results included in our EBIT guidance may be required based on CSALP’s future results.

Free cash flow expectations for the year remain unchanged at breakeven plus or minus $150 million, excluding the proceeds of the sale of the Downsview property. Further, Bombardier’s cash commitments towards the C Series program under the Airbus partnership will be recognized as investing activities, reflecting the receipt of non-voting participating units of CSALP, if any.

As previously announced, Bombardier will continue with its current funding plan of CSALP. Due to the early closing of the partnership, the terms of this plan are updated according to the following schedule: Bombardier will fund the cash shortfalls of CSALP, if required, during the second half of 2018, up to a maximum of $225 million; during 2019, up to a maximum of $350 million; and up to a maximum aggregate amount of $350 million over the following two years, in consideration for non-voting participating shares of CSALP with cumulative annual dividends of 2%. Any excess shortfall during such periods will be shared proportionately amongst CSALP’s Class A shareholders.

The Company remains on track to achieve its 2020 turnaround plan objectives, which already reflect the de-consolidation of the C Series results. The transaction will be accounted for as a disposal of CSALP in exchange for an equity interest in the new partnership measured at fair market value. In addition, the transaction is expected to result in a net accounting charge of approximately $500 million. The net charge is largely triggered by the fair market value of warrants to be issued by Bombardier to Airbus on July 1, 2018, and a derivative liability associated with the expected off-market return on non-voting participating units to be issued to Bombardier by CSALP under Bombardier’s funding commitments. The net charge will be treated as a special item in the second quarter.

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