SAVANNAH, Ga., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics , announced today that the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 has successfully completed its first series of flight tests.
During a 1-hour and 45-minute flight, G650 project pilot Jake Howard and senior experimental test pilot Tom Horne, along with flight engineer Bill Osborne, tested the aircraft's handling qualities, engine operability and flap operation.
Additionally, the crew evaluated the aircraft's pitot-static systems, avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical power generation and distribution, flight controls, and cabin environmental and pressurization controls.
The evaluations were performed at intended airspeeds of up to 240 knots and desired altitudes of up to 9,500 feet. Throughout the flight, personnel from Gulfstream flight test, engineering and flight operations monitored key, real-time data using a new telemetry system configured to downlink more than 2,000 different parameters.
"The pilots' reports indicate that the G650's flying qualities were outstanding," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "With its cutting-edge technology, the aircraft performed superbly, as we expected it would. We are very excited to continue our flight-test program and look forward to certification in 2011."
The G650 flight-test and certification plan involves five aircraft and more than 1,800 hours of testing. Gulfstream is working toward concurrent certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency in 2011.
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.
The G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by best-in-class Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,800 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs approximately 9,000 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at http://www.gulfstream.com/.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,300 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at http://www.gd.com/.
Gulfstream Aerospace
CONTACT: Heidi Fedak, Corporate Communications, +1-912-395-8574
Web Site: http://www.gulfstream.com/
