“Thanks to the hard work, commitment and innovation of our employees, we’ve already achieved several program milestones,” said Dan Nale, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.
Gulfstream introduced the G500 and G600 on Oct. 14, 2014, at one of its new manufacturing facilities in Savannah. During the event, the first G500 rolled out under its own power.
Since then, Gulfstream has inducted two G500 aircraft into the flight-test center in preparation for officially launching the flight-test program later this quarter. Additionally, ground vibration and structural mode interaction testing are complete; the structural test article achieved limit load; and all suppliers have validated the aircraft safety of flight requirements, clearing the aircraft for flight.
Gulfstream has also started manufacturing the first G600 aircraft, which will be used as part of the four-aircraft flight-test program. Wind-tunnel testing for both aircraft is complete, and more than 34,000 hours of lab testing have been logged. Additionally, the company recently started testing in the G600 integration test facility (ITF) and initiated construction of the G600 iron bird, which will allow full evaluation of the aircraft’s systems and software.
Gulfstream suppliers have been equally busy. In February, Pratt & Whitney Canada received certification of the aircraft’s PW814GA and PW815GA engines by Transport Canada in February.
FlightSafety International, Gulfstream’s factory-authorized training provider, has established a full-flight simulator for the G500 at its Learning Center in Savannah. Gulfstream engineering and flight-test personnel have begun using the simulator to supplement work being done in Gulfstream’s G500 ITF and the Conceptual Advanced Simulation Environment to prepare for the first flight of the G500.
“These accomplishments reflect the maturity of these programs and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a safe, successful and productive certification process,” Nale said.
The G500 and G600 aircraft optimize speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency to offer customers best-in-class performance with advanced safety features.
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, while the G600 can carry passengers 6,200 nm/11,482 km at Mach 0.85 and 4,800 nm/8,890 km at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for the aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same maximum speed as Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER.
The G500 and G600 also include Gulfstream’s all-new SymmetryTM Flight Deck, the most advanced, stylish, comfortable and intuitive flight deck in business aviation. The cutting-edge technology comes in the form of active control sidesticks, integrated touchscreen controllers, next-generation enhanced vision system and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.
In addition to the revolutionary Symmetry Flight Deck, the G500 and G600 cabins maximize passenger comfort and aircraft performance and can carry up to 19 passengers. The optimized wide cabin also features an industry-leading cabin altitude of 4,850 feet/1,478 meters at FL510 and 100 percent fresh air that boosts mental alertness and productivity while reducing fatigue.
Gulfstream anticipates certification of the G500 in 2017, with entry into service in 2018. The G600 certification is slated to follow in 2018 with entry into service in 2019.
SAVANNAH, Georgia, May 18, 2015