THE Belfast aerospace company Shorts is to be a major contributor in the development of a new long range, highs speed business jet.
The Global Express will be the largest aircraft of its kind in the world, capable of long haul flights of up to 6,500 miles. It will have the capability of flying non stop from London to Los Angeles, or from New York to Tokyo.
Shorts will be responsible for the design and manufacture of the horizontal stabiliser - or tail section - the forward fuselage and passenger doors, the engine nacelles, the nose and main landing gear doors, and the 42 foot wing to fuselage fairings.
The horizontal stabiliser is one of the largest all composite structures ever made for use on a commercial aircraft. It will be designed using the latest CAD CAM specially developed by Shorts in Belfast.
The Global Express has a 48 foot cabin with three compartments and the flexibility for an office, conference area, and stateroom, as well as crew restroom, a large galley, and baggage compartment. It is powered by twin BR 710 Rolls Royce fanjet engines.
Shorts vice president and general manager, Mr Ken Brundle, said the company would benefit from its major input to the project.
"We estimate that it will have a life span of around 20 years. The technology which we have acquired in developing the specialised composites for the aircraft's construction has led to a number of enquiries being received from other companies keen to take advantage of our expertise for use in their own projects," he said.
Shorts has a tradition of working with other manufacturers, and in particular with its parent company, the Canadian firm, Bombardier, with whom it developed the successful Lear 45 business jet.
"Our involvement in Global Express has made great demands on our workforce," Mr Brundle said, "but the result is a super VIP aircraft".
Costing around $32 million (£20 million), the Global Express is due to have its first test flight in September. Over 40 orders have been received so far, and the first deliveries are scheduled for next year. Research shows a demand for 550-800 executive long range over the next 10 years.
