Gulfstream flies first production G500

The first production Gulfstream G500 has flown for the first time from the manufacturers Savannah homebase.

Registered as N505GD / 72005, it is the first G500 to be fitted with a full production interior. Gulfstream say that the aircraft will be used as a flying testbed for the cabin.

The first flight lasted for 4 hours and 5 minutes, and was flown by Gulfstream test pilots Brian Dickerson and Andy Martin, along with flight test engineer Dustin Johnson. During the flight the aircraft climbed to 48,000 and flew at a top speed of Mach 0.84.

“This first flight of our G500 production test aircraft marks another significant event for the G500 program and Gulfstream’s history of delivering on our promises,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “This fully completed aircraft focuses on the passenger experience and ensures that we deliver the most reliable, comfortable and functional cabin environment on both the G500 and G600.”