Bombardier Aerospace said Tuesday it will develop a 90-seat BRJ-X series of regional jets. The company expects to complete a "joint conceptual definition phase," including configuration, selection of all partners, integration of know-how and launch by September 1999. Certification would take place 36 months from launch with first deliveries in 2003.

Plans call for a 128-inch cross section with five-abreast seating and a new wing with underslung engines-very much like the Fairchild Dornier 728 family.

"In 1989 Bombardier created the 50-seat regional-jet market. Early last year we added the 70-seat CRJ Series 700. Today the Series 700 design is frozen and manufacturing is beginning in Montreal," said Bombardier chairman Laurent Beaudoin.

"The CRJ family is experiencing outstanding success and has just passed the 400-aircraft program milestone," he said. "Since the launch of the Series 700, we have been analyzing the regional aircraft market to assess its future needs and requirements in order to provide the most appropriate product range for our customers. We have come to the conclusion that the 90-seat segment will be the next logical step and we believe it offers great potential for Bombardier," he added.

John Holding, executive VP for engineering and aircraft development, said Bombardier had successfully pioneered the use of partnerships in aircraft development, which reduces program risks and costs. In order to facilitate the 36-month launch-to-certification window, the yet-to-be-named partners will be brought in early to be on board before launch, by which time the configuration will be frozen. In addition, he said the company would capitalize on supplier know-how to reach an earlier product definition-all part of the joint conceptual definition phase.

At first, Holding said, Bombardier looked at utilizing the Global Express wing with aft-mounted engines. That option was scrapped.

"It will be a brand new airplane with a new wing and underslung engines. He said that the new 90-seater would have a floor width of 121.23 inches and the 128-inch cross section, which is a "very effective cross section." The development cost is expected to total about C$1 billion (about $650 million U.S. at current rates of exchange), with the investment coming from cash flow and from the partners. The company is soliciting an airline advisory board to assist in the development; those who have agreed are Uni Air, formerly a part of Taiwan's Great China Airlines and launch customer for the Dash 8- Q400, Maersk Air of Denmark, Lauda Air and Tyrolean of Austria, and Brit Air of France.

Beaudoin said the company is open to various partnerships, but was emphatic in saying that it is a Bombardier program and would be controlled as such, including final assembly.

"We do not have a launch customer," he added, noting too that, "We do not take the announcement of new aircraft lightly."

By Arnold Lewis