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The assembly of the first CSeries aircraft is well underway at Bombardier Inc.’s facility in Mirabel, Que. The new aircraft’s state-of-the-art design is on full display, demonstrating the aerodynamics of the plane from nose to tail, including the shape of its composite fuselage. Even its landing gear is there dangling from the plane.

But the most remarkable part of the new transcontinental aircraft is that it has been built entirely of plywood and pine.

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Bombardier has been harnessing some of the most advanced simulation technologies available to help develop the CSeries, including the layout of its assembly plants.

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But the wooden aircraft perhaps best demonstrates the lengths the Montreal manufacturer is willing to go to ensure the new plane is delivered on time and on budget.

Simulations have done wonders in the CSeries’ design, and will play a major role in its certification process. For example, the company’s much-touted complete integrated aircraft systems test area [CIASTA] will allow the company to do a substantial portion of the aircraft’s flight testing virtually before the plane even takes to the sky.