Gulfstream Aerospace on August 5 announced that the fifth Gulfstream G500 test aircraft has completed its first flight. The aircraft is the first production test aircraft to be outfitted with a full interior. It serves as the testbed for the cabin interior.
The G500 departed from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, climbed to a maximum altitude of 48,000ft/14,630m and reached a speed of Mach 0.84 during the 4hr 5min flight.
Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, said, “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.”
The fifth G500, a production test aircraft, is testing the complete passenger experience for form, fit, function, noise and comfort, as well as testing the passenger interface with various cabin elements. Tests will include repetitive operations of all systems during many different phases of flight. The test aircraft will also be taken through a variety of missions, including overnight trips, hot and cold weather scenarios and turbulence.
“The many hours of interior testing this aircraft will undergo, from galley and lavatory use to comfort and cabin health during long flights, help us hone every aspect of flying on the G500,” said Burns.
The G500 seats up to 19 passengers in three living areas. The aircraft has forward and aft lavatories and a full-size galley that can be located either forward or aft.
To date, the G500 test fleet has flown more than 320 flights and more than 1,300 flight hours. The aircraft has reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.995 and an altitude of 53,000ft/16,154m. The longest flight was eight hours and 24 minutes.
The G500 is slated to receive type certification in 2017 and to deliver in 2018.
