Wide-Cabin, High-Speed G150 Test Aircraft Achieves Maximum Speed and Altitude

Gulfstream and IAI have completed all company flight tests on the new wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 business jet. With this accomplished, Gulfstream and IAI now progress to the certification flight testing phase in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel.

“The flight testing of this new aircraft is progressing flawlessly,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream.

“The flight envelope has been completely opened – reaching maximum altitude of 45,000 feet and a maximum speed of 0.882 Mach. Maximum endurance has already exceeded five hours. The aircraft handling qualities at forward and aft of the center of gravity have been evaluated and the pilots report the aircraft is very stable.”

In January of this year, the first G150 rolled out of the IAI manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv. Four months later, on May 3, it successfully completed its first flight. The G150 remains on schedule for type certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel in the first quarter of next year, followed shortly thereafter by validation from the FAA, and entry into service in the third quarter of 2006. After the G150 receives certification, it will be flown to Gulfstream’s Dallas facility for the final phase of its manufacturing.

Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-40AR engines, the G150 can reach speeds of up to Mach .85 and altitudes of 45,000 feet, well above commercial traffic and weather. At a long-range cruise speed of Mach .75, the G150 can fly four passengers nonstop up to 2,700 nautical miles, farther than any other aircraft in its class at this speed. That’s the equivalent of New York to Los Angeles , London to Moscow , or Rio de Janeiro to Santiago.

The G150 is an entirely new cabin design for Gulfstream. The G150’s cabin height is just five inches shorter than in the large-cabin G350, G450, G500 and G550 aircraft models. The resulting effect is a spacious G150 cabin, designed and outfitted by the same team of professionals who design and install high-quality interiors for Gulfstream’s larger aircraft.

The G150 can accommodate six to eight passengers in a choice of several cabin configurations. Its wide-body fuselage provides stand-up headroom, ample aisle space and generous legroom and headroom when seated. Like all Gulfstream customers, G150 customers can choose from a wide selection of fine leathers, upholstery fabrics, wood finishes and floor coverings. And like all Gulfstream business jets, the G150 is backed by Gulfstream’s award-winning product support.

To offer customers a better look at the G150, Gulfstream developed a true-to-size replica of the G150 cabin and cockpit that is currently being displayed in cities throughout the United States.

FMI: www.gulfstreamg150.com