Gulfstream flagship has successful first flight

Gulfstream's ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 was flown by experimental test pilot Jake Howard and senior experimental test pilot Tom Horne, the G650 took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 7:41 GMT last night with flight engineer Bill Osborne on board. Because pilots were alerted to a slight vibration in a landing-gear door, they curtailed the testing regimen as a precautionary measure. The aircraft landed 12 minutes later. 

"We are pleased to announce that the G650 successfully completed its first flight today," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.  "Systems were fully operational. The aircraft achieved an altitude of 6,600 feet and a speed of 170 knots. Flight controls and characteristics performed as expected. We consider this flight a success and look forward to pursuing our full flight-test plan."

Under its own power, the G650 rolled out of the Savannah manufacturing facility on Sept. 29, 2009.  It remains on schedule for type certification by 2011, followed by entry-into-service in 2012.

Gulfstream says the G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class.  Powered by Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach.  Its 7,000-nautical-mile range means the G650 can fly nonstop from Dubai to Chicago.  With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet at 0.85 Mach, the G650 can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet and avoid traffic and inclement weather.

With its all-new aerodynamically optimised wing, the G650 can meet the latest takeoff certification requirements.  At maximum takeoff weight, the aircraft can depart from a 6,000-foot runway. 

according to the Pocket Guide to Business Aircraft, passenger comfort is one of the G650's main attributes. It features the largest purpose-built business-jet cabin, which leaves room for larger galleys and lavatories, and increased storage.  The jet, which seats 11-18 passengers, also has 16 Gulfstream-signature oval windows that measure 28 by 20.5 inches, the biggest in the industry

Additionally, the G650 features the PlaneView II cockpit, and an Advanced Health and Trend Monitoring System (AHTMS) to support aircraft maintenance planning and enhance availability.