The Gulfstream G700 certification programme has passed another milestone with the first flight of a fully outfitted aircraft, dedicated to putting the cabin experience to the test. The test fleet now includes six aircraft.
For its first flight, the fully outfitted aircraft flew three hours and 36 minutes, reaching an altitude of 48,000ft (14,630m) and a top speed of Mach 0.935. The test regimen will encompass more than 15,500 test points, validating every facet of the cabin to ensure interior comfort and reliability.
“Flying a fully outfitted aircraft signals significant progress in the G700 flight-test programme,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “The G700 interior is raising the bar for cabin innovation and customisation. It provides more space than ever before for Gulfstream’s precision-crafted furnishings, more opportunity for personalisation and more technology to optimise passenger health, safety and enjoyment. We look forward to fully testing the cabin before delivering this amazing aircraft to customers.”
The first fully outfitted G700 features the Ultragalley, with more than 10ft (3.05m) of counter space; a dedicated crew space; an entertainment and presentation area; a six-place conference and dining area; and a state room with full-length wardrobe.
Interior elements include an award-winning seat design; natural stone flooring in the galley and bathrooms; quartz countertops; powered single seats; surround sound; and other bespoke features that come standard on the aircraft.
The cabin on this test aircraft includes the all-new circadian lighting system, along with 100%-fresh, never recirculated air. Great attention has been paid also to the cabin altitude and noise levels. There are 20 oval windows.
The G700 cabin can be configured for up to five living areas with the option to include a passenger lounge in the Ultragalley and/or a suite with optional shower.
The Symmetry Flight Deck on the G700 features active-control sidesticks, extensive use of touchscreen technology and a data concentration network, as well as the award-winning Gulfstream Predictive Landing Performance System and Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision on dual head-up displays.
The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and 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).
