Bombardier had a press release and minor media event today to announce the completion of the fuselage for the static test airframe. Apparently assembly of this first 'real' airfriame, albeit one not destined for flight, was completed in less than half the time budgeted. Of course this means little until the wing is also assembled and attached, which should be in the next few weeks. The first flight test example should also begin its assembly in the next couple of weeks and, God willing, should at least be getting wheeled around by December. This news in itself does relatively little to answer bigger questions about the testing timeline, but it's still nice to see.

Here is an associated video: http://skiesmag.com/news/articles/17...series-test-airframe-progress.html

I know nothing about manufacturing, but I thought it was a cool video. I must say it is very nice just to finally see a real fuselage as opposed to a mock-up. Those of you with more industry experience may be able to comment more meaningfully about what's visible in the test area.

In related news, I read elsewhere that P&W has popped the first engines for the test program in the mail for Bombardier.

JL