The second Gulfstream G800 flight test aircraft has made its first flight, marking a new phase in the G800’s path to certification.
The aircraft flew out of Gulfstream Aerospace’s headquarters in Savannah (Georgia, USA) on 15 July, using a 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel. The G800 flew for three hours and 26 minutes and reached a top speed of Mach 0.935.
“Gulfstream’s flight test team continues to make advanced strides forward for our company,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “The G800 will bring the industry’s longest range to customers around the world, and we are seeing strong demand for this capability alongside the cabin comfort and quality Gulfstream is known for.”
The second G800 flight test aircraft is dedicated to environmental control systems, avionics and flight controls and builds on the more than 1,600 test points already accomplished by the first G800 flight test article.
“Thanks to the design philosophy behind our next-generation fleet, the G800 is also benefiting from the excellent progress we continue to make in the Gulfstream G700 flight test programme,” said Burns. “This commonality helps us enhance efficiency and reliability for our customers, who are already seeing first-hand how well these aircraft perform.”
The G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles (14,816km) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nautical miles (12,964km) at Mach 0.90. It features a Gulfstream-designed advanced high-speed wing and winglet and all-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. Designed to seat up to 19 passengers, the G800 offers up to four living areas or three living areas with a crew compartment.
