Fourth Gulfstream G650 Now in Flight Test
Unlike its three predecessors, the fourth G650 (S/N 6004) is a production aircraft. S/N 6004 will be the first G650 outfitted and tested with a full interior, which will be installed later this summer. The aircraft, which will be used to evaluate the aircraft’s cabin systems, is expected to resume flight testing following the installation.
“We’re delighted with the performance we’re seeing out of these aircraft,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president of Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “We’re equally thrilled with the streamlined manufacturing process, which involves 50 percent fewer parts, bonded materials and precision build carts, which allow us to easily put aircraft pieces together. Our use of these advanced materials and systems – along with the three-dimensional solid models we utilized in the design process – have provided impressive results. We couldn’t be more pleased.”
The G650 flight-test program involves an estimated 1,800 hours of flight and a specific purpose for each of five aircraft. S/N 6001 is focused on envelope expansion, air data calibration, flutter, in-flight performance and flight controls. S/N 6002 is used to evaluate the aircraft’s systems, while S/N 6003 tests the avionics, in-flight load measurement and ice protection system. S/N 6005, which has been turned over to the Flight Test department for outfitting, will participate in the reduced vertical separation minimum testing.
The G650 flight-test program officially began on Nov. 25, 2009. Through June 20, the four aircraft currently in the program have completed more than 85 flights and 240 flight-test hours.
Ultimate load testing of the aircraft’s primary structural components has also begun. In April, the aircraft completed the structural limit load testing required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The limit load represents the maximum load the aircraft should experience during its life cycle. Ultimate load is 50 percent more than limit load. Ultimate load testing will be performed on the fuselage, wing, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, nose landing gear and all control surfaces.
The G650 has also flown at its maximum takeoff weight of 99,600 pounds (45,177 kg) and recently reached its maximum operational Mach number of Mach 0.925 at 42,500 feet (12,954 m).
The G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by best-in-class Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet will be capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) at Mach 0.85.
Gulfstream announced the G650 program on March 13, 2008. On Sept. 29, 2009, the aircraft rolled out under its own power in front of a crowd of more than 7,000 people. The aircraft is expected to receive certification from the FAA and EASA in 2011. It is on schedule to enter service in 2012.
About Gulfstream
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,800 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150(R); the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200(R); the new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250(R); the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350(R); the large-cabin, long-range G450(R); the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500(R); the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550(R) and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650(R). Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales(R). The company employs more than 9,000 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,700 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com
Gulfstream Aerospace 개요
걸프스트림항공사는 세계 최첨단 상용 제트 항공기를 설계하고 개발하며 제조, 판매, 서비스 및 지원하는 회사이다. 걸프스트림항공사는 1958년 이후 고객을 위하여 약1,800대의 항공기를 생산했다.
웹사이트: http://www.gulfstream.com
연락처
Jeff Miller
Communications
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이 보도자료는 Gulfstream Aerospace가(이) 작성해 뉴스와이어 서비스를 통해 배포한 뉴스입니다.
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2011년 11월 22일 13:58
