As Planned, Production Birds Head To Final Phase For Customer Deliveries In 2Q/2012

They did it. After the heartache of an unforeseen test flight tragedy and the intricacies associated with building their first Fly-By-Wire BizJet, Gulfstream Aerospace has received its Provisional Type Certificate (PTC) from the FAA. This clears the way for the company to begin interior completions of the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet in preparation for customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012, as originally planned.

"We are pursuing a two-step certification approach to keep us on track for our planned deliveries in the second quarter of 2012," said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. "With the PTC in hand, our plan is to move production aircraft into final phase manufacturing to ensure customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012."

PTCs have been common in general aviation programs over the past 15 years. Both the Gulfstream V and the Gulfstream G550 were issued PTCs before receiving full certification.

The four G650 aircraft in the flight-test program have flown more than 2,225 hours during more than 675 flights. One of those aircraft has a fully outfitted interior, allowing the company to confirm weight projections and test new features, including its Cabin Essential design for redundant cabin systems. Seven production aircraft have flown in preparation for their induction into final phase manufacturing. More than 20 aircraft are in various stages of initial or final phase production.

Among its achievements, the G650 has flown for more than 14 consecutive hours, with flight test data confirming its ability to achieve 7,000 nm at Mach 0.85. The aircraft has also demonstrated 5,000 nm at Mach 0.90. With a top speed of Mach 0.925, the G650 is the world's fastest civilian jet.

"The G650 will exceed the capabilities of anything on the market, flying faster and farther, with industry-leading fuel efficiency and reduced emissions," Flynn said.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com