Bombardier targets Qantaslink to replace the B717's with the new C series
At an aviation expo last week, a Bombardier spokesman told me that Qantaslink was firmly in their sights as a launch customer for the new C series with deliveries starting 2013.
Advantages that are being touted for the C series are:-
Composite technology wings/empenage
Aluminium Lithium Pressurised fuselage
Superior field performance and range
Widebody cabin comfort and storage
New advanced technology engines
Advanced flight deck
Claims are that the C series will have 15% lower operating costs than current "New 100+ seat jets" and 17-20% less fuel than current "New 100+ seat jets". Also, large reductions in emissions and noise are promised.
Four models are being developed: C110, C110ER, C130, C130ER (not to be confused with the military trash-hauler). The model numbers relect the seating capacity with one class 32" pitch.
Figures are:
C110, Max pax range 1800NM, MTOW 53,887kgs, MLW 50,349kgs, Payload 13,971kgs, Thrust 23,300lbs, TOFL (MTOW, MTOT, SL, ISA) 1317metres, LFL (MLW, SL) 1422m, Initial cruise altitude (from MTOW) 39,000ft, Max Alt 41,000ft, Max cruise speed M0.82, Normal cruise speed M0.78
C110ER, Max pax range 2700NM, MTOW 57,970kgs, MLW 50,349kgs, Payload 13,971kgs, Thrust 23,300lbs, TOFL (MTOW, MTOT, SL, ISA) 1509metres, LFL (MLW, SL) 1422m, Initial cruise altitude (from MTOW) 37,000ft, Max Alt 41,000ft, Max cruise speed M0.82, Normal cruise speed M0.78
C130, Max pax range 1800NM, MTOW 58,650kgs, MLW 54,658kgs, Payload 16,556kgs, Thrust 23,300lbs, TOFL (MTOW, MTOT, SL, ISA) 1594metres, LFL (MLW, SL) 1521m, Initial cruise altitude (from MTOW) 37,000ft, Max Alt 41,000ft, Max cruise speed M0.82, Normal cruise speed M0.78
C110ER, Max pax range 2700NM, MTOW 63,095kgs, MLW 54,658kgs, Payload 16,556kgs, Thrust 23,300lbs, TOFL (MTOW, MTOT, SL, ISA) 1890metres, LFL (MLW, SL) 1521m, Initial cruise altitude (from MTOW) 35,000ft, Max Alt 41,000ft, Max cruise speed M0.82, Normal cruise speed M0.78
Would any of the B717/Bae146/Jungle Jet drivers like to give an opinion on the suitability of these aircraft types to operations into airfields where the B717 is a bit limited. Unfortunately, I don't have any figures for ISA+15 or ISA+20 as this would give a better insight.