Gulfstreams Everywhere! Ambitious Flight-Test Program Employs Four Test A/C

In its most ambitious aircraft flight-test program ever, Gulfstream Aerospace has logged more than 400 hours of flight-testing in just six months as it continues to develop its newest business jet, the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450. Gulfstream began the G450 development program under a blanket of secrecy in 2001 while it was still developing the recently certified large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 business jet.

The G450 prototype aircraft completed its first test flight April 30, 2003. Since then, the G450 flight-test program has added three more test aircraft, allowing Gulfstream to evaluate multiple aspects of the aircraft simultaneously. Effective Friday, Oct. 31, 2003, the four G450 test aircraft have completed 117 flights, testing aerodynamic performance and handling characteristics, engine and APU operations, and systems performance.

"We're extremely pleased with the tremendous progress we've made so far," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test. "By overlapping the development with the G550, we were able to take full advantage of our lessons learned and avoid any potential setbacks. We're focused. We're on schedule and are working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Joint Aviation Authorities/European Aviation Safety Agency to obtain approval on schedule."

In tests conducted so far, Gulfstream test pilots have surpassed the G450's published specifications in a number of areas. The test aircraft reached an altitude of 49,100 feet - 4,100 feet higher than the G450's listed maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet. The aircraft has been flown out to 0.95 Mach, exceeding the maximum dive speed of 0.93 Mach. At 396 knots or 0.95 Mach, the G450 test aircraft flew far beyond the listed maximum operating airspeed of 340 knots or 0.88 Mach. Finally, in evaluating handling qualities, the aircraft has been operated at extreme forward and aft center of gravity (CG) limits. Gulfstream has already completed a number of FAA demonstrations, including flutter and engine testing.

Each of the four test aircraft is assigned specific areas of the development and test program. The first aircraft is dedicated to range and field performance and engine testing, including Part 36 Fly-Over Noise testing. The second aircraft is instrumented to evaluate new APU and numerous system enhancements. The third aircraft is assigned the validation of the PlaneView™ flight deck systems while the fourth is scheduled to conduct testing for Function and Reliability and Cold Weather.

Introduced in early October at the NBAA's Annual Meeting and Convention, the G450 is well on its way to receiving FAA Type Certification in the third quarter of 2004 and European Aviation Safety Authority validation in the fourth quarter of 2004. Gulfstream expects to begin G450 customer deliveries during the second quarter of 2005.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com