Large-Cabin, Mid-Range Business Jet Performs "Flawlessly" During Three-Hour Flight

Gulfstream's news business jet, the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250, has successfully completed its first flight, Gulfstream announced Friday. Gulfstream designed and built the super mid-size business jet in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Photo Courtesy Gulfstream

Flown by IAI chief test pilot Ronen Shapira, the G250 took off from Ben Gurion International Airport today at 0816 local time. During 3 hour, 21 minute flight the pilots tested the jet’s flight-handling qualities and characteristics, and performed initial checks of several aircraft systems.

The aircraft was flown to 32,000 feet and achieved a maximum speed of 253 knots. Pilot Shapira commented that the flight was “extremely smooth with no issues.” IAI’s Flight Telemetry System enabled IAI and Gulfstream flight-test engineers on the ground to monitor the G250 aircraft systems in real time during the flight, as well as record the data from the first flight test point.

“The G250 performed extremely well, just as we expected,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “We’re looking forward to 2011 when we’ll begin delivering this aircraft to the customers who had tremendous input in its design.”

Itzhak Nissan, president and CEO, IAI, said, “The successful first flight of the G250 large-cabin, mid-range jet represents the achievements of Gulfstream and IAI as the designers, integrators and manufacturers of this advanced business jet. IAI continues to benefit from its world-leading,
strategic partnership with Gulfstream.” The G250 rolled out of the IAI manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv under its own power on October 6, 2009. It remains on schedule for type certification by 2011, followed by entry-into-service the same year.

Powered by twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.80 and has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.85. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet. The G250 cockpit features the new PlaneView 250TM system based on Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics.

It features an all-new, advanced transonic wing design that has been optimized for high-speed cruise and improved takeoff performance. At maximum takeoff weight, the G250 can depart from a 5,000-foot runway. Its 3,400-nautical-mile range means the G250 can fly nonstop from New York to London or from London to Dubai.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com