Gulfstream's Fly-by-Wire BizJet Gets Ready For Prime-Time

Just a few weeks ago, the power players at Gulfstream updated one and all on the final details leading up to eventual production of Gulfstream's most ambitious and capable bizjet, yet, the G650.

Gulfstream officials noted that the aircraft has moved several steps closer to its anticipated certification later this year after completing tests of its fly-by-wire system, engine inlet compatibility and operation in hot weather, among other tests. At the time of this update, the four aircraft remaining in the flight-test program had accumulated more than 2,077 hours on more than 626 flights.

“On Sept. 15, we had five G650 aircraft in the air at once,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Four of the aircraft were conducting flight-test activities, while the fifth aircraft completed a post-production test flight. The level of flight activity speaks to the maturity of the product at this point in the flight-test program. We are moving at a prudent pace toward our certification objective later this year. We are pleased by everything we see.”

Gulfstream has now flown four production aircraft in preparation for induction into final-phase manufacturing, where the aircraft are outfitted and painted. Fourteen aircraft are in the production process. On the flight-test side, Aircraft Number 6005 completed certification ground tests for engine inlet compatibility, conducted for the first time by Gulfstream at the Eglin Air Force Base test facility in Florida. The aircraft utilized Eglin’s fan array to accurately provide the high-wind ground testing. Additionally, the aircraft completed certification ground tests for electromagnetic interference. Following ground testing, the aircraft successfully completed in-flight certification testing in both areas: engine inlet compatibility and electromagnetic interference.

Aircraft Number 6004, the first Gulfstream test aircraft to have a fully outfitted interior, has conducted in-flight tests on the functionality of the G650’s next-generation flight management system, a fundamental part of the avionics, as well as completing extensive cabin system tests and interior acoustic noise surveys. The company completed the Federal Aviation Administration certification tests for hot-weather operations using Aircraft Number 6003, thereby demonstrating the capability to properly cool all of the avionics and electrical equipment under the most extreme conditions.

Gulfstream announced the G650 program on March 13, 2008. On Sept. 29, 2009, the aircraft rolled out under its own power in front of a crowd of more than 7,000 people. It completed its first flight on Nov. 25, 2009, and remains on schedule for entry-into-service in 2012.

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