The Gulfstream G500 has completed flutter testing, another milestone in the aircraft’s flight test program. The first G500 test aircraft, T1, performed the tests over the course of more than 50 flights.
“The G500 has accomplished a great deal since we launched the flight test program in May 2015,” said Dan Nale, senior vice president of programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “With three aircraft in flight, the program has surpassed 430 flight test hours over more than 105 flights.”
As T1 performed flutter testing, the second test article, T2, finished climatic chamber testing at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA. In addition to the three aircraft currently flying, the G500 flight test program will include two more aircraft. T4 has been inducted into the flight test facility and is in the final stages of flight preparation. P1 is a fully outfitted production aircraft that will test the interior elements as well as complete integration of the aircraft systems with the passenger experience.
The G500 is part of Gulfstream’s new family of clean-sheet aircraft, the G500 and G600, which will accommodate up to 19 passengers. The aircraft feature a cabin altitude of 4,850ft at FL510 and 100% fresh air. The G500 is expected to receive type certification from the FAA and EASA in 2017. It is scheduled to enter service in 2018, with the G600 following in 2019.
February 12, 2016
