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 and serves as the testbed for the cabin. “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,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream.
The G500 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. The G500 and G600 also feature 100% fresh air and oval windows that are the same size as those on Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER.
At Mach 0.85, the G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles and the G600 can fly 6,200 nautical miles. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same maximum speed as the G650 and G650ER. The G500 is slated to receive type certification in 2017 and be delivered in 2018. The G600 is projected to enter service in 2019.
August 10, 2016
