Aircraft Overview: Bombardier Global 5500

As is the case with all Global airframes based on the BD-700-1A10, -1A11 and -2A12, the Global 5500 is certified to accommodate a maximum of 19 passengers. 

Those passengers are seated in a cabin that has a length of 40 ft. 9 in.—measured “from [the] cockpit divider to [the] aft most cabin,” excluding the baggage compartment—width of 7 ft. 11 in. and height of 6 ft. 2 in. 

In the standard interior configuration, the club suite is outfitted with a 4K bulkhead monitor that measures 24 in. and four Nuage zero-gravity seats, while the conference suite features a “conferencing grouping” that includes a “single-pedestal table” that is height adjustable. 

In that configuration, the Global 5500’s private suite incorporates a pair of Nuage seats and a berthable divan with three places, in addition to a 4K bulkhead monitor. Other cabin features include a kitchen and lavatory located in the forward cabin.

The two required pilots operate the Global 5500 by utilizing Bombardier’s Vision flight deck that is based on Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system, which includes four 15-in. displays and is able to be equipped with a combined vision system (CVS) that “merge[s] enhanced and synthetic vision images in a single view.” 

Additional avionics features include automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) In capability, controller-pilot data-link communication (CPDLC), graphical flight planning, a head-up display (HUD) and MultiScan weather radar. 

The Global 5500’s navigation capabilities also allow it to utilize satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) such as the wide area augmentation system (WAAS) to conduct localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches, while also having the ability to perform required navigation performance authorization required (RNP AR) approaches. 

Operating limitations of the BD-700-1A11 include a maximum operating limit Mach (M_MO) of 0.90 Mach from 30,850 ft. to 36,313 ft., as well as a maximum operating altitude while en route of 51,000 ft. 

The latter specification reduced to 13,700 ft. for takeoff and landing, while assuming an airframe operated at the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), the initial cruise altitude is limited to 41,000 ft. In addition to the above-noted M_MO, the high-speed and typical cruise speeds are 0.88 Mach and 0.85 Mach, respectively. 

The Global 5500’s 5,900-nm theoretical maximum range is based on National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) instrument flight rules (IFR) reserves, International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) conditions and operating at the typical cruise speed and while carrying eight passengers and three crew. 

Beyond that enroute performance, the airfield performance figures for this version of the BD-700-1A11 include a 5,340-ft. takeoff distance that assumes the airplane’s MTOW, ISA conditions and sea-level altitude. Based on the same criteria except for a typical landing weight, the airframe is capable of a 2,207-ft. landing distance. 

Powering the Global 5500 are Rolls-Royce’s Pearl 15 engines (BR700-710D5-21) that are purpose-built for the airframe, able to produce 15,125 lbf. of thrust and which are flat-rated to ISA +15C. 

Bombardier also notes that, beyond the 92,500-lb. MTOW and 78,600-lb. maximum landing weight, the airplane has a basic operating weight of 50,861 lb. and can carry a maximum payload of 7,139 lb. 

The 5,815-gal. (39,250 lb.) usable fuel capacity is carried in two main tanks that each have a capacity of 2,229 gal. (15,046 lb.), as well as a single center tank that can accommodate 1,357 gal. (9,158 lb.). 

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