Gulfstream Aerospace’s all-new family of business jets, the Gulfstream G500 and G600, are making solid progress toward their anticipated FAA certification later this year. The G500 just entered the final stage of its flight test and certification program, while the G600 recently completed company field performance testing.
To date, the five G500 aircraft have accumulated more than 4,250 flight hours over more than 1,175 flights. The fourth G500 to enter the flight-test program is poised to begin function and reliability testing to demonstrate the overall reliability of the aircraft’s final engineering designs. These FAA-mandated flights total 300 hours and evaluate how the aircraft behaves in conditions representative of normal in-flight operations, including hot, cold and humid environments.
Gulfstream has surpassed FAA certification requirements by flying a fully outfitted production G500 more than 400 hours. That aircraft is currently on a world tour demonstrating its cutting-edge design to both current and potential customers. Meanwhile, the G600, has clocked more than 1,395 flight hours during more than 360 flights. Next on the aircraft’s schedule is FAA flyover noise certification testing.
Gulfstream announced performance enhancements for both aircraft in October 2017. The G500 will fly 5,200 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 or 4,400 nm at Mach 0.90, while the G600 can travel 6,500 nm at Mach 0.85 and 5,100 nm at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925. These performance enhancements have not altered Gulfstream’s delivery timetable. Both aircraft will enter service this year, the company says.
