Bombardier Aerospace launched a new version of the Global Express, one of three new aircraft derivations introduced at last week's National Business Aviation Association convention in Orlando, Fla. The Bombardier Global Express XRS, scheduled to enter service in early 2006, features the Bombardier Enhanced Vision System (BEVS) as standard equipment, increased range at high speeds, improved takeoff capabilities and a new fast-fueling technology. The BEVS will be integrated with the Thales Avionics Head-Up Display and head-down display for the co-pilot. Bombardier will continue flight testing of the BEVS this year, and the system is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2005.

The XRS will have a forward fuel tank in the wing/body fairing that will carry 1,486 pounds of additional fuel. The increased fuel capacity will boost the aircraft's range to 6,150 nautical miles at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85 and 5,450 nautical miles at Mach 0.87. The aircraft also will have a new zero flaps takeoff capability that will allow the aircraft "to depart from 'hot and high' airports at higher temperatures and with a greater fuel load," Bombardier said. In addition, Bombardier will install software upgrades to the fuel computer of the XRS and make structural adjustments to cut 15 minutes from the refueling time. Other enhancements to the aircraft include an enlarged baggage area with 10 to 15 more cubic feet, LED lighting, a second-generation humidifier and a new workstation in the cabin. The aircraft also will have a total of 27 windows, two more than the Global Express. The windows are redesigned to be more like ones in the Global 5000, which have larger reveals to let in more light.

Bombardier priced the XRS at about $45.5 million for a typically configured aircraft, compared with the original Global Express, which carries a B/CA-equipped price of $44.4 million.

Although Bombardier declined to go into specifics about the Global Express orderbook, the company said scheduled deliveries for the older model extend into the spring of 2005. Bombardier Business Aircraft President Peter Edwards said that the XRS would be the right fit for the high end of the business jet market, which has been generally less affected by the poor economy than the lower end. He added that the XRS would "in due course" replace the Global Express.