Fri, Nov 18, 2011
As Planned, Production Birds Head To Final Phase For Customer
Deliveries In 2Q/2012
They did it. After the heartache of an unforeseen test flight
tragedy and the intricacies associated with building their first
Fly-By-Wire BizJet, Gulfstream Aerospace has received its
Provisional Type Certificate (PTC) from the FAA. This clears the
way for the company to begin interior completions of the
ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet in preparation for
customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012, as originally
planned.
"We are pursuing a two-step certification approach to keep us on
track for our planned deliveries in the second quarter of 2012,"
said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. "With the PTC in hand, our
plan is to move production aircraft into final phase manufacturing
to ensure customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2012."
PTCs have been common in general aviation programs over the past
15 years. Both the Gulfstream V and the Gulfstream G550 were issued
PTCs before receiving full certification.
The four G650 aircraft in the flight-test program have flown
more than 2,225 hours during more than 675 flights. One of those
aircraft has a fully outfitted interior, allowing the company to
confirm weight projections and test new features, including its
Cabin Essential design for redundant cabin systems. Seven
production aircraft have flown in preparation for their induction
into final phase manufacturing. More than 20 aircraft are in
various stages of initial or final phase production.
Among its achievements, the G650 has flown for more than 14
consecutive hours, with flight test data confirming its ability to
achieve 7,000 nm at Mach 0.85. The aircraft has also demonstrated
5,000 nm at Mach 0.90. With a top speed of Mach 0.925, the G650 is
the world's fastest civilian jet.
"The G650 will exceed the capabilities of anything on the
market, flying faster and farther, with industry-leading fuel
efficiency and reduced emissions," Flynn said.
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