Aircraft Has Already Racked Up 10 Hours Of Flight Time
A third G650 has entered the flight test program in Savannah,
GA. Gulfstream said Thursday that the most recent airplane has
already accumulating 10 hours of flight time.
G650 S/N 6003
The third test aircraft is thoroughly instrumented for
measurement of aerodynamic loads and ice-protection system
performance. Additionally, the aircraft is the primary test bed for
the G650 avionics systems, including the latest features of
Gulfstream's PlaneView cockpit and new technology, such as an
advanced back-up instrument display that also serves as a control
panel for multiple functions.
"The addition of the third test aircraft to the fleet means the
test pace is picking up, with development and certification flight
activities quickly advancing," said Pres Henne, senior vice
president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "In
addition, Gulfstream Product Support is engaged in the engineering
development and test-aircraft operations to ensure a smooth
entry-into-service for our customers. There are a variety of
internal organizations and suppliers directly involved in the
development of the G650, and their support is instrumental in the
success of the program."
G650 Rollout
The G650 flight-test program involves five aircraft performing
an estimated 1,800 hours of testing. Each aircraft is used for a
specific series of tests with S/N 6001 focused on performance and
flight controls, S/N 6002 on systems and S/N 6003 on avionics,
in-flight load measurement and the ice-protection system. The two
production aircraft in the test program - S/N 6004 and S/N 6005 -
will be used to evaluate interior systems and be part of the
reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) testing. The testing
explores the accuracy of the aircraft's altimeter system, which is
used to support the aircraft's operation in controlled airspace
with reduced vertical separation.
The G650 flight-testing program officially commenced on Nov. 25,
2009. As of June 2, all three test aircraft combined have completed
75 flights and more than 210 flight-test hours.
The G650 recently accomplished two milestones in its flight-test
program. On May 2, the aircraft flew at its maximum operational
Mach number, achieving a top speed of Mach 0.925 at 42,500 feet.
Earlier in the year, the aircraft flew at its maximum takeoff
weight of 99,600 pounds.
G650 Rollout Crowd
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. The aircraft is
expected to receive certification from the FAA and the EASA in
2011. It is on schedule to enter service in 2012.
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