Gulfstream Says The Aircraft Is On Track For Certification In 2011, Deliveries In 2012

Gulfstream’s G650 recently completed several flight-testing milestones en route to its anticipated type certification later this year by the FAA and EASA. As of July 16, the four aircraft in the flight-test program had accumulated more than 1,760 hours over more than 535 flights.

“We’re on track and moving steadily toward certification later this year,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “We’ve accomplished a great deal in the past two months. The aircraft continue to perform extremely well.”

Aircraft Number 6004, the first Gulfstream test aircraft to have a fully outfitted interior, finished certification testing of the aircraft’s water and waste systems, its traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) and its enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS). Aircraft Number 6003 has completed certification dry-air testing for the wing and cowl ice protection systems.

Additionally, the four flight-test aircraft accomplished several rounds of company testing in preparation for the FAA evaluations that are part of the certification process. Aircraft 6004 performed hydraulics overpressure testing and satellite communications testing. It also handled testing of the company’s aircraft health and trend monitoring system. The company tested the aircraft’s hydraulics and brakes using Aircraft 6001, the first aircraft to join the flight-test program in 2009. Aircraft 6003 performed company tests of the environmental control system, cabin pressure control system and oxygen system.

The G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 and has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925.

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. It completed its first flight on Nov. 25, 2009, and remains on schedule for entry-into-service in 2012.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com