Second Gulfstream G700 Test Aircraft To Take Flight This Summer
Gulfstream announced this week that it’s adding a second fully equipped production test aircraft to the flight test program for its upcoming flagship Gulfstream G700 business jet. Like the initial test aircraft, which first flew in April 2021, this jet will allow Gulfstream to evaluate interior features of the cabin, which it says is the industry’s most spacious, innovative, and flexible. The aircraft manufacturer says the second test aircraft will undertake its first flight this summer. The 19-passenger G700 was introduced in October 2020, and its maiden flight occurred in February 2020. The aircraft is expected to enter service by year’s end.
“The G700 is performing flawlessly through the flight test program,” says Gulfstream President Mark Burns. “We have flown more than 2,800 flight hours across all flight test aircraft, and the G700 is exceeding our expectations for performance and comfort. In fact, our fully outfitted production test aircraft has already set seven international city pair records, and we are looking forward to delivering the second outfitted aircraft soon.”
Reaching Maturity
Gulfstream says it will use the second G700 test jet to ensure the aircraft’s interior features can demonstrate “unparalleled product maturity” upon service entry. Points of focus will include a grand suite with shower and an all-new circadian lighting system. Gulfstream has already accomplished critical phases-of-flight tests, including envelope expansion, flutter, aerodynamic stalls, flying qualities, flight control systems, and air data testing. It has also conducted cold weather and high-altitude testing, as well as all required structural testing.
The G700’s all-new cabin features up to five possible living areas, all-new seats that convert into ergonomic beds, 20 panoramic oval windows, Jet ConneX Ka-band Wi-Fi connectivity, and the industry’s only ultra-galley with 10 feet (3 meters) of counter space. The cabin is 6.3 ft high by 8.2 ft wide by 56.92 ft long (1.9 by 2.5 by 17.3 m), excluding the baggage area.
Speedy, Too
Also this week, Gulfstream reported the G700 recently set its seventh international city pair speed record. The feat took place May 20, 2022, and was accomplished using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The G700 departed from Gulfstream’s base in Savannah, Georgia, and touched down 7 hours and 37 minutes later in Geneva, Switzerland, where the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) is being held through May 25. The G700 completed the trip at an average speed of Mach 0.90. The jet’s all-new Rolls Royce Pearl 700 engines, rated for 18,250 pounds-force (81.2 kilonewtons) of takeoff thrust, played a big role in achieving the record.
The G700 has a flight range of 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 kilometers), a maximum speed of Mach 0.925, a high-speed cruise speed of Mach 0.90, and a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85. Its initial cruise altitude is 41,000 ft (12,500 m) and a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 ft (15,500 m). A The G700’s cockpit is equipped with the Symmetry Flight deck with active-control sidesticks, touchscreen avionics, and Phase-of-Flight technology.
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Source: Gulfstream