Gulfstream’s new contenders on the ultralong-range stage—the G700 and G800—have reached significant milestones along the path to certification for the sister models. The two jets will be on display at the European Business Aviation Conference and Expo (EBACE) at Palexpo/Geneva International Airport (LSGG) in Switzerland this week.
G700 Flight Test, Speed Record
The G700—set to enter service this year—has finished several more key steps in its flight testing program, including performance trials at Cecil Airport (KVQQ) in Jacksonville, Florida, and water ingestion testing at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility (KWAL) in Wallops Island, Virginia. Those tests include touchdown and taxi maneuvering at speeds between 60 to 120 knots. Flyover noise testing has also proven the airplane registers less than the maximum permitted by FAA regulations.
“The G700 continues to exceed our expectations throughout all facets of the flight test program,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, in a news release. “At the same time, even more customers around the globe are seeing the real-world performance features and benefits the aircraft provides in terms of efficiency, speed, and safety, while experiencing the immense comfort of the cabin firsthand.”
On its way to the static display at EBACE, a test article G700 set a city-pair record from Mumbai, India, to Geneva with an elapsed time en route of 8 hours and 34 minutes, averaging Mach 0.90. This brings the total number of speed records set by the G700—and recognized by the National Aeronautic Association—to more than 40.
The G700 is also performing some of its flight test operations on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), using a variety of blends. One notable record recently set came on a flight from the company’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, to Tokyo, clocking in at 13 hours and Mach 0.89. Gulfstream has committed to use of SAF as well as other initiatives to bring it toward net-zero targets in 2030 and beyond, being the first business aircraft manufacturer to sign the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow Ambition Statement—signaling its intent to “accelerate the supply and use of SAF technologies to reach 10 percent of the global jet aviation fuel supply by 2030,” according to the company.
The G800 Arrives on the Continent
While the G800 has crossed the pond before, EBACE 2023 marks the first time that the model has gone on display in continental Europe. With a SAF blend on board—like all of the G800 test flights originating from Savannah—the G800 flew from KSAV to LSGG.
With four living areas and seating for up to 19 passengers, the G800 is scheduled to enter service later this year. According to Gulfstream, the G800 can range out to 8,000 nm at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm at Mach 0.90.
