Aircraft Has Already Racked Up 10 Hours Of Flight Time

A third G650 has entered the flight test program in Savannah, GA. Gulfstream said Thursday that the most recent airplane has already accumulating 10 hours of flight time.

G650 S/N 6003

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 PlaneView 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."

G650 Rollout

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 combined 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. Earlier in the year, the aircraft flew at its maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds. 

G650 Rollout Crowd

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 FAA and the EASA in 2011. It is on schedule to enter service in 2012.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com