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| Tuesday, 9 March 2010, 09:00 HKT/SGT | |
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Source: Gulfstream | |
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Savannah, GA, Mar 9, 2010 - (ACN Newswire) - Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has announced that the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 has successfully completed its first series of flight tests. Two G650 flight-test aircraft - T1 and T2 - were last week airborne simultaneously and were tracked by dual telemetry facilities in real time.
 | | Gulfstream G650 has successfully completed its first series of flight tests |
T1 has now completed 18 flights over more than 43 hours. The aircraft has reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.90 and a top altitude of 47,000 feet (14,326 meters). Test pilots are testing the aircraft's handling qualities, engine operability and flap operation, pilot-static systems, avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical power generation and distribution, flight controls, and cabin environmental and pressurization controls.
T2, the second test aircraft, took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 12:50 p.m. on Feb. 25, with senior experimental test pilots Gary Freeman and Scott Buethe in the cockpit. The aircraft flew for 2 hours and 33 minutes, reaching an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,278 meters) and a speed of Mach 0.80 before landing back in Savannah.
"The conditions were very gusty and blustery, yet T2, like T1, handled great," said Freeman. "To control the aircraft precisely requires small, light control input from the pilot. It's an easy jet to fly."
"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 an estimated 1,800 hours of testing. Each aircraft is used for a specific series of tests, with T1 focused on performance and flight controls, T2 on systems and T3 on avionics. The two production aircraft in the test program - P1 and P2 - will be used to evaluate the interior systems and reduced vertical separation minimums (RVSMs), respectively.
Gulfstream expects to receive concurrent G650 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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. Its 7,000-nautical-mile range means the G650 can fly nonstop from Dubai to Chicago. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet at 0.85 Mach, the G650 can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet and avoid traffic and inclement weather.
With its all-new aerodynamically optimized wing, the G650 can meet the latest takeoff certification requirements. At maximum takeoff weight, the aircraft can depart from a 6,000-foot runway.
Passenger comfort is one of the G650's main attributes. The aircraft features the largest purpose-built business-jet cabin, which leaves room for larger galleys and lavatories, and increased storage. The jet, which seats 11-18 passengers, also has 16 Gulfstream-signature oval windows that measure 28 by 20.5 inches, the biggest in the industry.
The G650 provides the most productive cabin environment. A cabin altitude of 4,850 feet at FL510 and 3,300 feet at FL410 reduces fatigue, increases mental alertness and enhances productivity. A quieter cabin allows for a better environment for conversation or relaxation.
The aircraft comes with the new Gulfstream Cabin Essential(TM) package, so a single-point failure will not result in the loss of functionality. That means a toilet always flushes; water is always available; and an entertainment source always works.
Additionally, the G650 features the PlaneView(TM) II cockpit, the most advanced flight deck in business aviation, and an Advanced Health and Trend Monitoring System (AHTMS) to support aircraft maintenance planning and enhance availability.
A high-resolution version of this photo is available for download at www.gulfstream.com/news.
Contact:
Peter Hoi
+852-2918-1600
peter.hoi@gulfstream.com
Jeff Miller
jeff.miller@gulfstream.com
1-912-965-7372
Topic: Production report
Source: Gulfstream
Sectors: Aviation
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
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