Simultaneous Jet Development Is A Difficult, Demanding Task

There was no end to the diversity and complexities involved in each of the companies that took a stand at NBAA 2010 to show the world what they were up to... but few companies had as much on their plate this time around as mighty Gulfstream -- who is balancing the aggressive issues involved in developing not one, but two, exhausting jet development programs.

Gulfstream's efficient and capable G250 program continues apace as GA's Preston Henne unabashedly detailed the rigors the airplane was exposed to and the obstacles it had overcome... including its first Atlantic crossing, its all new wing, all-new engines, all-new cabin and the extensive improvements undertaken by this super-mid-size airplane.

Still, as massive as the G650 undertaking is, its the G650 program that has everyone's rapt attention. Gulfstream's first fly-by-wire, top-of-the line aircraft has a lot to brag about. "Never has a business jet flown so far, so fast, so flawlessly," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. 

"This airplane defines a new level of productivity. Part of that is the ability to move executives in comfort swiftly around the world."

The G650 has a range of 7,000 nm at Mach 0.85. Gulfstream claims it is the largest, fastest, longest-range purpose-built business jet. Certification is planned for 2011 with customer deliveries beginning in 2012. The speed demonstration was one of a number of tests being performed on the aircraft as it moves towards that certification date, and Gulfstream announced Monday that the aircraft recently completed several tests required as part of its certification by the FAA and EASA, including flutter, in-flight loads, flammable fluid drainage and ingestion, and water ingestion.

Initial certification tests were conducted during envelope expansion when the absence of flutter was shown out to the design dive speed (Vd) and design Mach dive speed (Md). During these tests, the aircraft achieved a top speed of Mach 0.995 and demonstrated acceptable damping responses following an input from an external test device.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews