Aircraft Has 10 Hours Of Flight Time

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 3, 2010 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that the third ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 has joined the flight-test program for the company’s flagship model, accumulating 10 hours of flight time.

The third test aircraft is thoroughly instrumented for measurement of aerodynamic loads and ice-protection system performance. Additionally, the aircraft is the primary test bed for the G650 avionics systems, including the latest features of Gulfstream’s PlaneViewTM cockpit and new technology, such as an advanced back-up instrument display that also serves as a control panel for multiple functions.

“The addition of the third test aircraft to the fleet means the test pace is picking up, with development and certification flight activities quickly advancing,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “In addition, Gulfstream Product Support is engaged in the engineering development and test-aircraft operations to ensure a smooth entry-into-service for our customers. There are a variety of internal organizations and suppliers directly involved in the development of the G650, and their support is instrumental in the success of the program.”

The G650 flight-test program involves five aircraft performing an estimated 1,800 hours of testing. Each aircraft is used for a specific series of tests with S/N 6001 focused on performance and flight controls, S/N 6002 on systems and S/N 6003 on avionics, in-flight load measurement and the ice-protection system. The two production aircraft in the test program – S/N 6004 and S/N 6005 – will be used to evaluate interior systems and be part of the reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) testing. The testing explores the accuracy of the aircraft’s altimeter system, which is used to support the aircraft’s operation in controlled airspace with reduced vertical separation.

The G650 flight-testing program officially commenced on Nov. 25, 2009. As of June 2, all three test aircraft have completed 75 flights and more than 210 flight-test hours.

The G650 recently accomplished two milestones in its flight-test program. On May 2, the aircraft flew at its maximum operational Mach number, achieving a top speed of Mach 0.925 at 42,500 feet (12,954 m). Earlier in the year, the aircraft flew at its maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds (45,177 kg).

The G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by best-in-class Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet will be capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) at Mach 0.85.

Gulfstream announced the G650 program on March 13, 2008. On Sept. 29, 2009, the aircraft rolled out under its own power in front of a crowd of more than 7,000 people. The aircraft is expected to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2011. It is on schedule to enter service in 2012.

Source and photo: Gulfstream