Large-Cabin, Mid-Range Business Jet Has Smooth First Flight

Gulfstream announced Thursday that a second large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250 completed its first flight.  Gulfstream designed and built the super mid-size business jet in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Flown by IAI chief test pilot Ronen Shapira, the test article - called serial number (S/N) 2002 - departed from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv at 1445 local time March 24.  The aircraft flew for 1 hour and 57 minutes, reaching an altitude of 20,000 feet and a speed of 195 knots.

"We are very pleased with the progress that we've made," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.  "Both aircraft have performed wonderfully.  We have a lot of work ahead, but we are excited about where we are."

David Dagan, corporate vice president and general manager, Commercial Aircraft Group, IAI, said, "The successful first flight is an indication of the excellent progress we're making in our path toward certification. The first two aircraft performed exactly as expected. This is a tribute to our use of the most advanced technology, development and production techniques available, not to mention the combined talent of IAI and Gulfstream."

FMI: www.gulfstream.com