First Production Aircraft To Begin Testing

A fourth aircraft is now part of the Gulfstream G650 flight-test program, Gulfstream Aerospace announced Monday. The newest test aircraft flew for the first time June 6 and has spent more than five hours in the air.

Unlike its three predecessors, the fourth G650 (S/N 6004) is a production aircraft. S/N 6004 will be the first G650 outfitted and tested with a full interior, which will be installed later this summer. The aircraft, which will be used to evaluate the aircraft's cabin systems, is expected to resume flight testing following the installation.

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The G650 flight-test program involves an estimated 1,800 hours of flight and a specific purpose for each of five aircraft. S/N 6001 is focused on envelope expansion, air data calibration, flutter, in-flight performance and flight controls. S/N 6002 is used to evaluate the aircraft's systems, while S/N 6003 tests the avionics, in-flight load measurement and ice protection system. S/N 6005, which has been turned over to the Flight Test department for outfitting, will participate in the reduced vertical separation minimum testing.

The G650 flight-test program officially began on Nov. 25, 2009. Through June 20, the four aircraft currently in the program have completed more than 85 flights and 240 flight-test hours.

Ultimate load testing of the aircraft's primary structural components has also begun. In April, the aircraft completed the structural limit load testing required by the FAA and the EASA. The limit load represents the maximum load the aircraft should experience during its life cycle. Ultimate load is 50 percent more than limit load. Ultimate load testing will be performed on the fuselage, wing, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, nose landing gear and all control surfaces.

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The G650 has also flown at its maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds and recently reached its maximum operational Mach number of Mach 0.925 at 42,500 feet.

The aircraft is expected to receive certification from the FAA and EASA in 2011. It is on schedule to enter service in 2012.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com