New Gulfstreams achieve program milestones

Gulfstream G600 production

Gulfstream has joined the wing to the fuselage on the first G600 flight-test article, continuing the steady progress in the G600 program.

As production continues for the G600, the G500 flight-test program also achieved several milestones including receiving the program’s first Type Inspection Authorisation (TIA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA issued the TIA for inlet compatibility and allowed Gulfstream to perform this testing for certification credit.

The G500 flight-test program officially began May 18, 2015, when the first G500 flight-test article, T1, completed its first flight. Since then, T1 has reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.995, a maximum altitude of 53,000 feet/16,154 metres and recently completed its 100th flight. The test fleet, which includes four flight-test articles (T1-T4), has accumulated more than 800 hours of flying time.

“Achieving these milestones speaks to the maturity of both programs and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring these aircraft deliver the performance, safety and reliability we promised.”

Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream said: “Achieving these milestones speaks to the maturity of both programs and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring these aircraft deliver the performance, safety and reliability we promised.”

“The wing-to-fuselage join is a significant step in manufacturing the first G600 and reflects our continued steady progress toward first flight. The official launch of certification testing on the G500 highlights the efforts being made to achieve certification in 2017. Together, these accomplishments attest to why Gulfstream is the leader in business aviation,” added Burns.

T1 is focused on envelope expansion and is currently conducting flying qualities testing.

T2 recently completed inlet compatibility testing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The test exposed the G500’s Pratt and Whitney Canada PW814GA engines to high wind conditions by using a large blower, which artificially generates winds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h).

T3 will begin testing wing anti-ice systems after just recently completing cold-soak testing. As part of that testing, the aircraft made its first flight outside the United States, reaching into Canadian air space to complete the evaluation.

T4, the test-bed for avionics, flammable fluid drainage, water ingestion and select systems (water/waste, lighting, fire protection), just received the latest software update in order to begin testing the updated avionics system.

The fifth test aircraft, P1, is at the Savannah Completions center, where it is receiving an outfitted interior and will be used to test the cabin elements.

Extensive work also continues in the G500 and G600 lab facilities, where more than 47,200 hours of testing having been completed. In February, the G600 iron bird made its first flight, setting in motion the testing and validation required for the G600’s actual first flight. The iron bird allows engineers to test the flight control and mechanical systems, including landing gear, brakes and hydraulics.

The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm/7,038 km at Mach 0.90. The G600 is capable of traveling 6,200 nm/11,482 km at Mach 0.85 or 4,800 nm/8,890 km at Mach 0.90.

Both aircraft feature the new Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck.

The aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers, has forward and aft lavatories and includes a full-size galley that can be located in either the forward or aft portion of the aircraft.

The G500 is slated to receive type certification in 2017 and entry into service in 2018. The G600 is projected to enter service in 2019.

wing and fuselage join on Gulfstream G600 production line