Better Than It Was Before; Better, Stronger, Faster …

Gulfstream Aerospace reports that its G700 is moving steadily toward FAA certification. To date, the G700 test-fleet has logged more than 2,800 hours and—according to Gulfstream President, Mark Burns—has “ … exceed[ed] our expectations for performance and comfort.” Burns goes on to point out that the fully outfitted, production test aircraft has set seven international city-pair records.

In addition to the fully-outfitted production test-aircraft already flying, the G700 flight-test program includes five aircraft. The program has successfully accomplished critical phases-of-flight tests, including envelope expansion, flutter, aerodynamic stalls, flying qualities, flight control systems and air-data testing, as well as cold-weather and high-altitude testing, and all required structural testing.

A second, fully-outfitted, production G700 is slated to join the flight-test fleet in the coming months. Subject aircraft will facilitate further evaluation of the flexibility and innovations the G700 brings to the industry—to include a grand suite with a shower and an all-new, circadian lighting system.

The Rolls Royce Pearl 700 engines by which the G700 is powered are reported to be performing admirably. Colin Miller, senior vice president of innovation, engineering and flight states, “The engines are performing flawlessly without missing a beat, and they’re quiet with a very high thrust. It performs well even beyond the normal operating envelope speed and altitude.”

The Pearl 700 engines are designed to run on a variety of fuels, including conventional, petroleum jet-fuel and sustainable aviation fuel—on which the first test-aircraft operated without incident.

Thus far, flight-test aircraft have reached a top speed of Mach 0.99, and a maximum altitude of 54,000 feet. At cruise altitudes between 41,000 and 51,000 feet, the G700 is projected to have a range of 7,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85, and 6,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.90. Gulfstream claims the aircraft—under an operational load of 8 passengers, 4 crew, and NBAA, IFR fuel reserves—is capable of taking off within 6,250 feet and landing in 2,500 feet.

Pending additional certification requirements imposed by the FAA in the wake of two, widely publicized accidents involving Boeing 737MAX aircraft, Gulfstream estimates first deliveries of the G700 will occur in Q-2 or Q-3 2023.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com/en/aircraft/gulfstream-g700/