Gulfstream’s new flagship, the G700, has completed its first flight, launching its flight-test programme. The aircraft spent two hours and 32 minutes in the air and used a 30/70 blend of sustainable aviation fuel.
“The G700’s first flight is a momentous occasion and the next step forward in Gulfstream’s vision for the future, a vision that has been guided by the strategic leadership of our parent company, General Dynamics, and the innovation of the Gulfstream team,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “As the market leader, Gulfstream is moving the entire business jet industry forward with advanced safety features, tomorrow’s technology and a cabin purposefully designed to exceed our customers’ expectations for comfort.”
The G700 was introduced in October 2019 with a full-scale cabin mock-up and an aircraft taxiing under its own power. The programme includes five flight-test aircraft, which have already been manufactured, and a structural test article that has completed load testing.
The G700 features up to five living areas and has 20 panoramic oval windows. Interior highlights include an ‘ultragalley’ with more than 10ft (3m) of counter space and a crew compartment or passenger lounge; an ultra-HD circadian lighting system; speakerless surround sound; and a master suite with shower.
The G700 is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and refined with Gulfstream-designed aerodynamics and new winglets. The aircraft can fly at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 for 6,400 nautical miles (11,853km) or at its long-range cruise of Mach 0.85 for 7,500 nautical miles (13,890km). The G700 also includes the Gulfstream Symmetry flight deck with electronically linked active control sidesticks, extensive use of touchscreen technology and Gulfstream’s Predictive Landing Performance System.
“The G700 brings the best in the business together – the innovation of the G500 and G600 Symmetry flight deck and the legendary performance of the G650ER – and we are excited to deliver this exceptional aircraft to our customers,” said Burns.
