Flight Demonstrated Airport And Cruise Capability From LA To Savannah

The Gulfstream G650 recently demonstrated its cruising capabilities on a flight of more than 1,900 nautical miles in just 3 hours and 26 minutes. G650 (S/N) 6004, took off from Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, CA, at 1221 PST  on Jan. 12. It arrived at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport 3 hours and 26 minutes later at 1847 EST. 

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The aircraft accomplished the mission at speeds between Mach 0.91 and 0.92, with a brief segment at the aircraft's maximum operating Mach number of 0.925. Its average ground speed was more than 550 knots. Its maximum ground speed en route was more than 660 knots. "These are typical operational Mach numbers customers can expect from this aircraft," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "To say that we are pleased with this real-world operational capability is an understatement."

The G650 lifted off with a calculated balanced field length of less than 4,500 feet (1,372 m) and climbed at Mach 0.85 to a cruising altitude of 43,000 feet (13,196 m), transitioning to Mach 0.91 or above for the remainder of the flight. "One key figure here," said Henne, "is balanced field length, the minimum required runway under the atmospheric conditions. To achieve this kind of performance means that the G650 can go just about anywhere a smaller business jet would routinely go. That is a major benefit to operators."

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S/N 6004 carried 10 crew members, including Henne. "That was a fantastic flight," Henne said after landing in Savannah. "You can definitely sense the size. This mission and others have allowed evaluations of the cabin pressurization system, the cabin temperature control system, the cabin seating arrangements, the extensive cabin communications and entertainment equipment along with the iPod touch-controlled features of the cabin."

The G650 has a maximum range of 7,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85, enabling longer intercontinental flights in less time than current ultra-long-range business jets.

S/N 6004 is one of five aircraft currently flying as part of the FAA and EASA)certification plan. The five aircraft have accumulated more than 1,200 hours of flight and are on track for certification in 2011, with entry into service in 2012.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com