Gulfstream’s new G500 made its first flight on May 18, 2015. The G500 is part of Gulfstream’s new family of clean-sheet aircraft, the G500 and G600, and the first of the two to begin flight tests.
The G500 flight-test program consists of five aircraft, including a fully outfitted production aircraft that will allow the company to test all the interior elements and complete integration of the aircraft systems with the passenger experience.
The G500 rolled out under its own power on October 14, 2014, when Gulfstream also revealed a nearly 70ft mockup of the G600. The G500 is expected to receive type certification from the FAA and EASA in 2017. It is slated to enter service in 2018.
Gulfstream says the G500 will fly 5,000 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nautical miles at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for the aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same as on the G650 and G650ER. Both the G500 and G600 will carry up to 19 passengers, and also have a cabin altitude of 4,850ft at FL510, plus 100% fresh air.
June 1, 2015
